I found one of these puppies in a custom steel pilothouse sloop of
25,000 lbs. displacement yesterday which I am considering purchasing
for world cruising. Apparently, they were made from 1981-1990 and most
parts and gasket kits are still available. This one, due to the boat's
extended build time and use as a liveaboard, has a mere 1,200 hours on
it (the boat is stated as being built...but not completed...in 1988).
It's 52 HP as the model number would imply.

Thoughts on this engine? How does it compare to, say, a Perkins 4-108
of the same vintage?

I have an Atomic 4 so I am familiar with Westerbeke, but apparently
they had or have some relationship with Perkins. Interchangeability of
spares and parts is a selling point.

R.