Victoria Shadow Association Members' Forum

Simon_Fayers

Member

Registered: 2002-07-05

Posts: 12

beta 16

I am replacing my yanmar 1GM with a beta 16 for my Frances 26. Having looked at all the other possibilities such as Vetus, Sole, Volvo and a larger yanmar, the beta still comes out on top being an almost straight swop. Couple of questions if anybody has fitted one, 1. I think there is just about room for a standard sump rather than the optional shallow sump, I am prepared to be corrected!, 2. I assume that the high level cross over exhaust is required rather than just exhaust rubber pipe which would probably run dry?, 3. The engine although perfect for the existing beds is a bit longer and comes with a flexidrive, are there any issues with the shaft being too short once connected to the coupling and flexidrive?. Any other points that I should be aware of. Comes with a 3m loom which is far too long but I again assume that one just coils and cable ties it out the way. Prop wise I would prefer to stick to a two bladed and keep it in line with the keel when sailing, I am guessing a 13x11 would be about right. Finally if anybody would like to buy a perfectly good 1GM!. many thanks for any help. Simon.

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Re: beta 16

I replaced my 1GM Yanmar with a Beta 16, but not without problems! The main one being getting salt water into the engine after the first 2 hr trip from the yard. The installation followed exactly the normal Beta installations that are done. Beta were not helpful, at all and basically accepted no responsibility. This necessitated a complete rebuild. To prevent it happening again, I made an extension in the high lift cross over exhaust, and moved the anti siphon unit high up in the locker behind the toilet. The installation is great now and I am very happy with it. Both of those issues were brought up by Beta, even though most of the Beta 14/16s fitted to Frances 26 used the normal high lift cross over exhaust, and hat the siphon break in the space under the companion way. I took the opportunity to move the engine instrument panel to the cockpit, where it can be seen by the helmsman.

I had to cut a few inches off the prop shaft, and also fitted a PSS shaft seal. I fitted a MaxProp Easy 3 bladed feathering prop and the result is great. You will need to raise the engine beds, this can easily be done using either steel or aluminum flat bar. I chose steel.
I did a few posts on all this, which you could look at. I am also happy to send photos of my set up, and answer any questions you may have.

Simon_Fayers

Member

Registered: 2002-07-05

Posts: 12

Re: beta 16

Hi Bill, many thanks for your reply. All interesting. By raising the engine beds doesnt that put the crank out of line with the prop shaft and cutlass bearing too much? What thickness steel bar did you use and did you bolt this or glass this in? Any photos you have on the installation that you are happy to share much appreciated. Also can you send over some Malaysian weather please!  s.fayers1@btinternet.com

Simon_Fayers

Member

Registered: 2002-07-05

Posts: 12

Re: beta 16

Hi Bill, I have seen your last posts and photos now and glad that you appear to have found the problem (timing shifted).  I have measured the height from the sump bottom to engine mounts against betas spec (222mm) standard sump and there would appear to be sufficient space without raising the engine beds? I will measure again when the 1GM is out to be sure. Regards Simon.

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Re: beta 16

Hi Simon, the reason for lifting the beds was not for sump clearance, it is done to lift the engine so that it aligns with the prop shaft, if you have the standard  Beta engine brackets and flexible mounts.

Andrew_Gleadle

Member

Registered: 2014-09-23

Posts: 56

Re: beta 16

Hi Simon

I upgraded Panache’s 1GM10 to a Beta 16 a few years ago. I worked with a local marine engineer to install the Beta. He did the new engine beds and lined the engine up whilst I did the rest of the work.

The spec is the standard sump, 2:1 Gearbox and 40A alternator. I have a Type A panel down below by the switch panel and a Tacho in the cockpit

The new beds are 2 solid aluminum bars (one for each side). From memory their thickness is either 15mm or 20mm and this thickness was selected based on the correct alignment for the prop shaft and to have the engine at a low adjustment level on the beta engine mounts to minimise movement / vibration.

The aluminum bars are through drilled and bolted into the existing beds and then drilled and tapped for the new mounts. The engine is positioned as far forward as possible to allow plenty of room at the rear of the exhaust, flexi drive and access.

I managed to keep the exhaust trap in its original position, which on my Frances 26 is next to the fuel tank on the starboard side. This was achieved using Beta’s Hi-rise cross over exhaust (I think it’s their 200mm injector bend but can’t be certain). This also meant it kept the access hatch from the pilot berth clear.

The wiring loom I have coiled up and cable tied down the starboard side of the engine.

My prop is a 13 x 9 which appears to work well and the engineer was happy with its performance when we did a short sea trial. I generally run at 2200 revs which gives around 5kn.

I’ve attached some pictures of the installation.

Regards
Andy

Simon_Fayers

Member

Registered: 2002-07-05

Posts: 12

Re: beta 16

Hi Andrew, many thanks for your reply and photos of your installation, very helpful and like yourself I will be working alongside an "adult" to get it correct!. The 1GM sold quickly which goes a little way helping finance the beta. Regards  Simon.