Engine comparison

Vetus M3.29 vs Beta Marine Beta 25

The Vetus M3.29 is a 27 hp 3-cylinder marine diesel aimed at medium sailboats, light powerboats, and a common alternative to the Beta Marine Beta 25. Both are 3-cylinder marine diesels. Both sit in the same power bracket — the Vetus at 27 hp and the Beta Marine at 25 hp, so standard equipment, serviceability and local support are what separate them.

27 hp vs 25 hp3-cyl vs 3-cylLocal Vetus support
Vetus M3.29
Vetus

M3.29 · 27 hp

View full specs
Beta Marine Beta 25
Beta Marine

Beta 25 · 25 hp

At a glance: Vetus M3.29 vs Beta Marine Beta 25

Side-by-side specifications. The highlight tags are generated from the published figures — where the Beta Marine genuinely wins a measure, we show it.

Power
Vetus M3.2927 hp (20 kW)
Beta Marine Beta 2525 hp (18.6 kW)
Cylinders
Vetus M3.293
Beta Marine Beta 253
Displacement
Vetus M3.290.952 L
Beta Marine Beta 250.898 L
Rated rpm
Vetus M3.293600 rpm
Beta Marine Beta 253600 rpm
Comparable
Aspiration
Vetus M3.29naturally aspirated
Beta Marine Beta 25naturally aspirated
Injection
Vetus M3.29indirect mechanical
Beta Marine Beta 25indirect mechanical
Comparable
Dry weight
Vetus M3.29134 kg
Beta Marine Beta 25118 kg
lighter to install
Alternator
Vetus M3.2975 A (standard)
high-output fitted as standard
Beta Marine Beta 25Varies / optional
Drive options
Vetus M3.29shaft + saildrive
Beta Marine Beta 25shaft + saildrive
Comparable
Warranty
Vetus M3.29Up to 5 yr*
Beta Marine Beta 255 yr (self-service)
Block / heritage
Vetus M3.29Mitsubishi
Beta Marine Beta 25Kubota D902
Local support
Vetus M3.29Luxfords — authorised Victorian Vetus distributor
local advice, stock & parts
Beta Marine Beta 25Beta Marine — via national dealer network

Specifications sourced from manufacturer data sheets and correct at time of publishing — confirm current specifications before purchase. *Vetus warranty: 3 years standard plus a 2-year driveline extension with a Vetus around-the-engine package.

Why choose the Vetus M3.29

  • High-output marine alternator fitted as standard (75 A).
  • Self-bleeding fuel system — no manual bleeding after filter changes.
  • Approved for HVO renewable diesel.
  • Backed by Luxfords Marine, the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor — local advice, stock and genuine parts support.

Things to weigh up with the Beta Marine Beta 25

Where the Beta Marine is strong

  • Robust Kubota base with cheap, globally available parts
  • 5-year self-service warranty (warranty parity with Vetus)
  • Excellent serviceability and strong cruiser reputation

The verdict

The Beta Marine Beta 25 is a sound choice in its own right — known for robust Kubota base with cheap, globally available parts. For recreational and cruising owners in Victoria, the Vetus M3.29 makes its case on standard equipment — a high-output alternator and self-bleeding fuel — and on local backup rather than headline specs. As the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor, Luxfords can advise on, supply and support it locally, with genuine parts.

Vetus M3.29 vs Beta Marine Beta 25 — FAQs

Is the Vetus M3.29 lighter than the Beta Marine Beta 25?

Not in this case — the Beta Marine Beta 25 is the lighter of the two (118 kg vs 134 kg for the Vetus M3.29).

Can I get the Vetus M3.29 with a saildrive?

Yes — the Vetus M3.29 is available with both shaft drive and saildrive, as is the Beta Marine Beta 25.

Which has the longer warranty, the Vetus M3.29 or the Beta Marine Beta 25?

Both are well covered — Vetus offers up to a 5-year warranty (3 years standard plus a 2-year driveline extension with an around-the-engine package) and Beta offers a 5-year self-service warranty, so warranty isn't a deciding factor between these two.

Where can I buy the Vetus M3.29 in Victoria?

Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions in Mornington is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor and can supply, advise on and support the Vetus M3.29, including parts and around-the-engine packages. Call (03) 5973 6444 for a quote.

Get a Vetus M3.29 quote

Tell us about your vessel and we'll confirm whether the Vetus M3.29 is the right fit, with pricing, drive options and availability. As the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor, Luxfords offers local advice, stock and genuine parts support.

(03) 5973 6444

Get a Quote — Vetus M3.29

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