Gearbox Specialist in the East Caribbean ?

[sobriyah]

Can anyone please recommend a gearbox specialist in the East Caribbean: St Martin down to Grenada?

The feedback I have received so far is that its too specialist for the local guys and I should send it to the US to be rebuilt.

Its a Hurth HBW 250, and reading Alan Wheelers excellent study hall, it sounds like the thrust washers are on the way out (reluctant to engage forward gear, but no problem in reverse)

And can anyone please advise whether this is likely to be ok for a while, or can I expect imminent failure?

Many thanks in anticipation, gearboxes are beyond me. Richard

[Palarran]

I don't know anything about the gearbox but do know some of the mechanics on St. Maartin. My mechanic in Oyster Pond has said I have the same problem as you do. He won't fix it and said the only place on the island to take the boat was Simpson Bay Diesel. You can talk to Richard there. They have the tools needed to either adjust or replace the thrust washers.

[sobriyah]

Thanks Palarran. I'll give them a try.

[sobriyah]

Just thought I would share with everyone, there is a ZF/Hurth agent in Martinique, Antilles Marine Services, his name is Yvon and he speaks good English. Fixed my gearbox over a weekend. First rate service, stocks repair kits, can get parts from ZF in 48 hours, and is prepared to travel.