Repowering 1985 SS Catalina 38

marctg · Newbie

Repowering 1985 SS Catalina 38

Stanley · Guru

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Is your boat the same as the one shown at this link sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp

If yes, I would recommend fitting the Beta 30 with 2.5:1 transmission. This includes a 70 amp alternator as standard and will provide more power than you are used to in a package that weighs less than the 5424 and as it is smaller as well, you should have more space around the engine for servicing.

You will get better motoring performance if you can fit a larger diameter propeller. Even going up to 16" will help and you can expect quiet and economical cruising.

I think that the Beta 25 may be a bit on the light side for the C38. This engine develops 25HP at 3,600 RPM whereas your old engine developed 24HP at 2,800 RPM.

marctg · Newbie

Sounds good, do you have any idea if it will fit my current engine beds? Thank you for the quick response after the holidays!

marctg · Newbie

Stanley: Notice on attachments that the current mounts are a 3 points,offset system. Can you guys do magic with the bearers? A larger prop will not fit, original was a 2 blade Martec. I've sketched in the approx bearer location & offset. Your phone number & email please? Thanks, Marc

Stanley · Guru

Hello Marc,

We are not prepared to copy the 3 point mounting on your engine. This is a bad idea and the cause of noise and vibration. Universal / Westerbeke eventually worked this out and stopped this arrangement after only a few years in production. The good news is that it is an extremely easy job to add on and build your engine beds up to what is needed for the new engine. The Beta 30 is smaller, lighter and more powerful than the 5424 which simplifies the installation.

You can email me at stan@betamarinenc.com
Our office phone number is 252 249 2473

Stanley