Vetus M4.56 vs Beta Marine Beta 50
The Vetus M4.56 is a 52 hp 4-cylinder marine diesel aimed at demanding sail/power applications, and a common alternative to the Beta Marine Beta 50. Both are 4-cylinder marine diesels. Both sit in the same power bracket — the Vetus at 52 hp and the Beta Marine at 50 hp, so installed weight, standard equipment and local support are the main differentiators.
M4.56 · 52 hp
View full specs
Beta 50 · 50 hp
At a glance: Vetus M4.56 vs Beta Marine Beta 50
Side-by-side specifications. The highlight tags are generated from the published figures — where the Beta Marine genuinely wins a measure, we show it.
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 M4.56
- High-output marine alternator fitted as standard (110 A).
- Self-bleeding fuel system — no manual bleeding after filter changes.
- Lighter installed weight — 206 kg vs 260 kg.
- 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 50
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
- Naturally aspirated and comparatively heavy at the top of the range (Beta 50 at 260 kg vs the Vetus M4.56 at 206 kg).
The verdict
The Beta Marine Beta 50 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 M4.56 counters that it's lighter to install (206 kg vs 260 kg) — and it adds a high-output alternator as standard, a self-bleeding fuel system and local backup. As the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor, Luxfords can advise on, supply and support it locally, with genuine parts.
Vetus M4.56 vs Beta Marine Beta 50 — FAQs
Is the Vetus M4.56 lighter than the Beta Marine Beta 50?
Yes. The Vetus M4.56 has a lower dry weight (206 kg) than the Beta Marine Beta 50 (260 kg) — around 54 kg lighter on a like-for-like basis.
Can I get the Vetus M4.56 with a saildrive?
Yes — the Vetus M4.56 is available with both shaft drive and saildrive, as is the Beta Marine Beta 50.
Which has the longer warranty, the Vetus M4.56 or the Beta Marine Beta 50?
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 M4.56 in Victoria?
Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions in Mornington is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor and can supply, advise on and support the Vetus M4.56, including parts and around-the-engine packages. Call (03) 5973 6444 for a quote.
Get a Vetus M4.56 quote
Tell us about your vessel and we'll confirm whether the Vetus M4.56 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 6444Get a Quote — Vetus M4.56
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