Westerbeke Marine Diesel Generators... Quietly Leading the Way
Westerbeke is proud of its compact, dependable products. We had a chat with Marine Energy Systems, the Australian Importer for Westerbeke.
How did Westerbeke get its start and how has it changed since then?
Westerbeke was founded by the late John H. (Jack) Westerbeke in 1937. Jack, a commercial fisherman, was a keen sailor and began marinising Detroit Diesel and Perkins engines for sailboat applications. The same engines were used in marine diesel generators. In the 1980s, the company revolutionised the marine diesel market by introducing a new line of quiet, compact, lightweight and dependable generators that were the smallest in the industry. In 2005, Westerbeke offered the first reduced carbon monoxide EFI gasoline generator for the marine market. Today, the EFI generators are the only emission-compliant units offered new to the market. Westerbeke remains a private family business, operating out of Taunton, Massachusetts (USA). The company has 65 distributors globally and its point of difference is its low 1500rpm diesel generator units. In the petrol generator market, Westerbeke produces the only units capable of meeting US, EU and Australian EPA emissions regulations.
Which is the staff’s favourite product?
The staff favourite is the Diesel 5.7BTD because it is a simple, reliable machine. No electronics onboard, it maintains the now-rare mechanical style governor. Most owners are capable of maintaining these generators and there is no need to rely on diagnostics.
Where are the products made?
Westerbeke engines and generators are built on site in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Currently, Westerbeke uses engines from several leading manufacturers to create marine-proven diesel and gasoline engines ranging from 12 to 38 horsepower, and generators ranging from 3.5 to 23.0 kilowatts. Design and engineering focus is on reliability, ease of maintenance, compactness, operating smoothness, safety and longevity, among other technical and performance factors. Workers are proud of their products’ performance and reliability. From design and engineering, to the assembly line, each is keenly aware of their value in creating a world-renowned product.
How are the products tested?
Every single generator is load tested in a factory in the USA. Westerbeke has an ongoing product improvement and development program intended to enhance the reliability, performance and longevity of existing products, and to develop new products. In Australia, all products are further load tested before leaving the warehouse to ensure they are delivered to the customer trouble-free.
What is the one piece of advice you give first-time and experienced buyers alike?
Use the equipment regularly and follow service schedules.
What are the names of all of your current and past models if available?
There are too many past models to name, but our current models are:
For the Australian Market -
Current Diesel Generators (50hz): 5.0 EGCD, 5.7 BTD, 7.5 EGTD, 10.3 EGTD, 12.0 EGTD, 23.0 EGED
Current Petrol (Multiport, EFI) Generators (50hz): 3.5 MCGA, 4.2 MCGA, 6.2 MCGA, 8.0 SBEG
Current Diesel Propulsion Engines: 12D (12hp), 30C (25hp), M-25XPB (26hp), 35E (28hp), 44C (38hp).
WESTERBEKE MULTIPORT EFI PETROL GENERATORS FOR THE MARINE INDUSTRY
Westerbeke’s new lineup of electronic fuel injected (EFI) petrol generators hit the Australian market this year. These generators are Australian Product Emissions Standards (2017), EPA & CARB compliant – made possible by Westerbeke’s innovative engineering and electronic fuel injection technology.
The new lineup maintains a product range that is affordable, compact, lightweight, quiet and efficient, the qualities that have made Westerbeke the preferred choice among seasoned boat manufacturers and boat owners.
Westerbeke's Multiport EFI petrol generators represent the benchmark for quiet, reliable, high-performance marine petrol generators. The technology provides optimum fuel efficiency, easy starting and improved reliability. In conjunction with multiport EFI, electronic speed control via an electronic governor maintains the engine at a constant speed and eliminates ‘bogging down’ when load is applied.
3.5 MCGA: 3.5kw (15 Amp) and only 102KG. 2 cylinders smooth and quiet running 2500rpm. Just 15" tall x 27in long. 
4.2 MCGA: 4.2kw (18.2 amp). 3 cylinder smooth and quiet running 1500 rpm.
Westerbeke is the first company to bring constant EFI generators and the first low carbon monoxide generators to the marine market, making boating safer for you and the environment.
EFI and Electronic Speed Control
These models feature electronic fuel injection providing optimum fuel efficiency, easy starting and improved reliability. In conjunction with EFI, electronic speed control (via electronic governor) maintains the engine at a constant speed (precise frequency
Smooth and Quiet
The petrol generators operate at a quiet, electronically controlled 1500 rpm (or 1800 rpm for 60hz). The smallest unit, the 3.5kw, runs at 2500rpm.
Durable and Reliable
Low rpm translates to long life and low maintenance. Make a smart decision today and choose an NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award Winning Westerbeke Multiport EFI genset!
Do you want to know more about Westerbeke products in Australia?
Get in touch with Marine Energy Systems Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 55027771
Unit J-2, The Boatworks. 1 Boatworks Drive. Coomera. QLD 4209. Australia