Any thoughts on a non Beta brand marinized Kubota?  Exploring options for a re-power with cost being a major concern.  I live in the SF bay area and the quote I got for a new Beta 38 was way out of my price range.  So I was looking into a buying a Kubota v1505 and either DIY marinization from a kit (if available) or someone else out there doing marinization of Kubotas for sale.  An internet search doesn't turn up much on the subject, but I did find a small company in Austrailia, whose price is competitive, and combined with a favorable exchange rate, it adds up to much less than a new Beta 38 in my area.  The shipping seems to be reasonable.    Here's their website:   http://www.wm-diesel.com/witchards.htm

The Kubota 1505 is an earlier version of the Beta 35 or 38, and it may or may not comply with current regulations to import them into the US.  I would consider what warranty you would get from the seller of that engine.  I know that Beta has a 5 year warranty, and that may be the reason they are priced higher than other shops that marinize the Kubota engines.  I have been a dealer for Beta Marine since 2006, and have had excellent experience with them on just a few warranty problems that have shown up with my customers.