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Old 16-12-2014, 08:19   #1
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What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Any suggestions on what to do with a 'semi-serviceable' Volvo-Penta Saildrive S130?

OK, a bit of background: we had just departed Opua, NZ for Fiji in April when the engine struggled then died. Long story short, we had to return and lift out for full diagnosis: a failed needle bearing in the top assembly.

It was impossible to find a replacement assembly, at least any time soon, but we had the option of buying a whole new Saildrive at a (small) discount. Gulp, OK then. We switched it out and were gone in 24 hrs.

Months later, now back in Oz, we have time to sit back and think what to do with the original, which we've been carrying as ballast ever since. Namely: (a) have it refurbished for resale, (b) advertise for sale 'as is' and hope someone out there needs the leg and bottom assembly only, or (c) toss it and accept the entire loss.

Option (a) is probably expensive and a risk, if we can't subsequently find someone who wants a hand-me-down Saildrive.

Option (c) is difficult to accept. I'm still grieving the initial loss.

So does that only leave option (b) or does anyone else out there have any bright ideas...?
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Old 16-12-2014, 08:22   #2
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Just be honest about it's condition and put it on EBAY. I have considered buying exactly what you are describing and breaking it down for 'emergency spares'.

gl.

-steve
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Old 16-12-2014, 08:32   #3
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Option B is the only one that makes any real sense. Option A only works if you do the work yourself and then are able to provide some sort of warranty on your work for 30-90 days. Generally not worth the hassle of sweating it out hoping the person doesn't hit something or run into a fishing net and shear a gear then try to pin it on you after he gets the rope untangled and returned back to Davey Jones.

Personally, the best option might be to see if any of it is compatible with your new saildrive and keep it yourself for parts, even if it is at home where you could have a friend box up some parts and mail them off to you at some far corner of the globe if needed.
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Old 17-12-2014, 18:53   #4
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Thanks guys - sound advice.

We are actually visiting Oz at present, about to sail down the E coast from Brisbane-Sydney, so will look into advertising it on eBay for spares. Or we'll be headed back to NZ in Feb/Mar so same option there.

I gather there are often bonding/antifouling problems with these legs, resulting in terminal corrosion of the leg? If so, there may be someone out there who needs a replacement, but can't afford the RIDICULOUS price of spares that we've discovered since we began looking into a re-build.

Appreciate your help.
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Old 17-12-2014, 19:00   #5
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

For interest, a couple of pics below of the failed needle bearing in the top assembly, and the Saildrive swap-over. An expensive exercise...
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Old 20-12-2014, 12:53   #6
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

From the discoloration of the main roller bearing adjacent to the failed needle bearing, I suspect the needle bearing failed from a lack of lubrication and the tapered roller bearing wasn't too far behind.

Keep a sharp eye on the lubricant level in the drive.

Rgds,
DougR
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Old 20-12-2014, 13:37   #7
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Bearings are rarely custom made, usually they are standard items from a (bearings) manufacturer's catalogue. So option (a) might still be feasible if a replacement can be located at a normal factory price. I would take old bearing(s) and go to a knowledgeable machinist before discarding option (a).
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Old 22-12-2014, 23:02   #8
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

Thanks, good point - will look into that...
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Old 08-01-2015, 18:47   #9
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Re: What to do with a wounded Saildrive?

FYI, I have listed the Saildrive for spare parts on eBay Australia...

Volvo 130s Sail Drive in Mount Colah, NSW | eBay

Thanks for all the helpful advice!

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