Beta installation
Beta installation
Have read Nick's article again - currently beginning to prepare for installation of same engine which means fathoming out how much bearers need doctoring. So, with a length of angle each side for mounts to sit on, how many hold down bolts for each bearer and what diam bolt ? Any reports from Nick or those with similar size engine appreciated.
- ash
- Yellow Admiral
- Posts: 1713
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 12:14 pm
- Boat Type: Moody 346
- Location: Tarbert, East Loch Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Scotland
Re: Beta Installation
Hi
Last summer, I did the same installation as Nick. ie A Beta BZ482 twin cylinder 13.5hp in a Vega, so can't add much more.
I have a Photo Album Here, but haven't got round to doing a write up.
The Volvo MD6A used 8 bolts, I've reused 6 of these for the new bearer plates.
My understanding is that the heavy 'L' brackets between the engine mounts, and the block are customised by Beta to suit the existing bearer width.
.
For an alternative perspective This Blog describes fitting the Beta into Flying Fox, a 28ft Stag.
Ash
Last summer, I did the same installation as Nick. ie A Beta BZ482 twin cylinder 13.5hp in a Vega, so can't add much more.
I have a Photo Album Here, but haven't got round to doing a write up.
The Volvo MD6A used 8 bolts, I've reused 6 of these for the new bearer plates.
My understanding is that the heavy 'L' brackets between the engine mounts, and the block are customised by Beta to suit the existing bearer width.
.

For an alternative perspective This Blog describes fitting the Beta into Flying Fox, a 28ft Stag.
Ash
"This is a sailing Forum"
Albin Vega "Mistral" is now sold
Albin Vega "Mistral" is now sold
Beta Installation
Hi Spuddy,
I installed a Beta 16 into my Varne 27 last year to replace the aged Petter mini twin. The bearers were too wide for the engine by about 30mm and I got round this by bolting some angle iron to the inside faces of the bearers with 10mm bolts, 4 per side. Fortunately my bearers are made of very thick GRP layup so I was able to bolt the angle on really solidly. Some cutting away of the angle was necessary to avoid fouling on the engine in places, but this was easily done. This has worked fine and allowed me to fit using the standard engine brackets thus avoiding the extra cost of getting Beta to make up special ones to fit. Great engine, now done over 100 hrs without missing a beat, just over 1L/hr at 2500 rpm which gives almost 6 kts in flat water, 7.5 kts flat out! 14x11 two bladed fixed Radice "sailing" prop. The 16 is based on a newer Kubota design (Z602, 599 cc) than the 13.5 and may be worth considering if you haven't already bought. Take a look at: http://www.dieselenginemotor.com/kubota ... page1.html
I installed a Beta 16 into my Varne 27 last year to replace the aged Petter mini twin. The bearers were too wide for the engine by about 30mm and I got round this by bolting some angle iron to the inside faces of the bearers with 10mm bolts, 4 per side. Fortunately my bearers are made of very thick GRP layup so I was able to bolt the angle on really solidly. Some cutting away of the angle was necessary to avoid fouling on the engine in places, but this was easily done. This has worked fine and allowed me to fit using the standard engine brackets thus avoiding the extra cost of getting Beta to make up special ones to fit. Great engine, now done over 100 hrs without missing a beat, just over 1L/hr at 2500 rpm which gives almost 6 kts in flat water, 7.5 kts flat out! 14x11 two bladed fixed Radice "sailing" prop. The 16 is based on a newer Kubota design (Z602, 599 cc) than the 13.5 and may be worth considering if you haven't already bought. Take a look at: http://www.dieselenginemotor.com/kubota ... page1.html
Interesting. Will need further thought but begin to think I might need new angle bits anyway cos existing holes don't cooperate with new arrangement, plus extension bits to suit standard brackets On other hand those L brackets from Beta that bolt onto the block look pretty rigid. I'll get some quotes.
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- Able Seaman
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2008 10:36 pm
Beta custom mounts
I installed a Beta 28 a year ago. For a fairly small amount of money as I remember Beta make the mounts to fit your existing engine bed (mine was relacing an MD11c).
Certainly made that part of the installation easier - just bolted onto the existing bearers uisng same bolts
Good luck
Certainly made that part of the installation easier - just bolted onto the existing bearers uisng same bolts
Good luck