Engine comparison

Vetus M4.35 vs Beta Marine Beta 38

The Vetus M4.35 is a 33 hp 4-cylinder marine diesel aimed at medium sailboats and powerboats, and a common alternative to the Beta Marine Beta 38. Both are 4-cylinder marine diesels. The Beta Marine rates slightly higher on paper (37.5 hp vs 33 hp), though both target similar vessels, so standard equipment, serviceability and local support are what separate them.

33 hp vs 37.5 hp4-cyl vs 4-cylLocal Vetus support
Vetus M4.35
Vetus

M4.35 · 33 hp

View full specs
Beta Marine Beta 38
Beta Marine

Beta 38 · 37.5 hp

At a glance: Vetus M4.35 vs Beta Marine Beta 38

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 M4.3533 hp (24.3 kW)
Beta Marine Beta 3837.5 hp (27.6 kW)
Cylinders
Vetus M4.354
Beta Marine Beta 384
Displacement
Vetus M4.351.758 L
Beta Marine Beta 381.498 L
Rated rpm
Vetus M4.353000 rpm
Beta Marine Beta 383000 rpm
Comparable
Aspiration
Vetus M4.35naturally aspirated
Beta Marine Beta 38naturally aspirated
Injection
Vetus M4.35indirect mechanical
Beta Marine Beta 38indirect mechanical
Comparable
Dry weight
Vetus M4.35199 kg
Beta Marine Beta 38170 kg
lighter to install
Alternator
Vetus M4.35110 A (standard)
high-output fitted as standard
Beta Marine Beta 38Varies / optional
Drive options
Vetus M4.35shaft + saildrive
Beta Marine Beta 38shaft + saildrive
Comparable
Warranty
Vetus M4.35Up to 5 yr*
Beta Marine Beta 385 yr (self-service)
Block / heritage
Vetus M4.35Mitsubishi
Beta Marine Beta 38Kubota V1505
Local support
Vetus M4.35Luxfords — authorised Victorian Vetus distributor
local advice, stock & parts
Beta Marine Beta 38Beta 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 M4.35

  • High-output marine alternator fitted as standard (110 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 38

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 38 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 M4.35 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 M4.35 vs Beta Marine Beta 38 — FAQs

Is the Vetus M4.35 lighter than the Beta Marine Beta 38?

Not in this case — the Beta Marine Beta 38 is the lighter of the two (170 kg vs 199 kg for the Vetus M4.35).

Can I get the Vetus M4.35 with a saildrive?

Yes — the Vetus M4.35 is available with both shaft drive and saildrive, as is the Beta Marine Beta 38.

Which has the longer warranty, the Vetus M4.35 or the Beta Marine Beta 38?

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 M4.35 in Victoria?

Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions in Mornington is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor and can supply, advise on and support the Vetus M4.35, including parts and around-the-engine packages. Call (03) 5973 6444 for a quote.

Get a Vetus M4.35 quote

Tell us about your vessel and we'll confirm whether the Vetus M4.35 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 M4.35

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