I liked my Yanmars (3GM30s) until a piston broke at 3 years...
therefore,out of warranty. However, I was told by the Yanmar dealer that in
cases like that where the engine had been well maintained (which it had)
Yanmar had been known to give some assistance.
I would have accepted it better if Yanmar had said sorry, out of date, but
the rep came up with all sorts of operator caused reasons for failure---use
of ether (not true, and dealer said evidence contradicted that supposition),
and operation under light load by delivery captain (not likely, knowing the
circumstances).
They are all good engines. But no one is perfect. Mistakes will be made.
What means the most is which company is most concerned with its reputation .
I've certainly gotten a bad taste from Yanmar.
Next time I'll look hard at Beta.

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I've heard nothing but good things about the Yanmars, aside from cost, and
my experience with ours certainly bears them out. At 27 years of age it
feels like one of the sweetest running pieces of machinery I've been
associated with. I certainly trust it a lot more than the engine I used
to fly behind

It would be worth having some prop calculations performed. There is no
point in putting in a 3 cylinder Yanmar (or other engine) if your prop can
only use the horsepower of 2. The 3 cylinder will be a bit smoother but
the 2 cylinder, 2 blade, installation in our boat is plenty smooth.
Diesels, especially Yanmars which are a cool running engine, will give
more trouble running too lightly than at their rated continuous
horsepower. After you've paid for a cylinder you don't need, you then
have the reduced maintenance clearance and extra weight for life.

The power requirements of your Bristol should not be very different than
Strider and I have all the power I need. I was able to keep moving
straight into the wind during a squall that heeled us under bare poles to
our normal sailing angle. The sail cover was thundering and the rain
hitting my face stung. I don't think you need much more power than that
unless you plan to tow a barge.

--
Roger Long