In 1937 John H. Westerbeke Sr. founded the
Westerbeke Marine USA. In 1938, Westerbeke
marinized the Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine.
In 1959, the company marinated Perkins blocks,
creating a market for small power marine diesel
engines. In 1980, the company revolutionized the
marine diesel market by introducing a new line
of lightweight and reliable generators.
Currently Westerbeke uses engines from several
manufacturers to create marine diesels and gasoline
engines ranging from 12 to 66hp and generators
ranging from 3.5 to 33.0 kW. Westerbeke also makes
Universal diesel engines from 20 to 26 horsepower.