Saildrives - Page 2

WHOOSH · #11 12-09-2005

Ariel, I have only used the MaxProp; I do find it generates some walk but not much unless I punch it. Since I haven''t experienced that ''power loss'' you mention when shifting from fixed to Max, I wonder if your pitch was set correctly.

My main reservation with the Autoprop is that it does not like uneven build-up of biologics (which are inevitable when cruising). When we hauled this fall, I walked around the yard looking at props and growth build-up for some reason often seems to be uneven. Since the Autoprop relies on balanced centrifrigal force, keeping the blades clean seems more important...or at least that''s what I''ve heard from AP folks. No real issue in tropical cruising; more of an issue where we were the last few years (N Europe).

Jack

ariel182 · #12 12-09-2005

Good point on the growth issue. with the Max being geared all three blades have no choice but to change orientation when the shaft changes direction. The Auto relies solely on centrifical force. Balance would be an issue since the blades are indepedent of one another. Didn''t think of that. It is simpler than the Max also and that is appealing. Hope some who owns an Autoprop can shed some light. On the pitch issue I have tweeked it twice at haulout and have achieved greater speed at lower RPM which was a plus but still not what I could get out of the fixed. I wouldn''t go back to the fixed on a bet though. The Max has flat blades and this accounts for the loss of power. The Auto has a more cupped blade which should be more efficient but I''d like some real life confirmation of this.

kimberlt · #13 12-09-2005

Hi,
i have a saildrive on My amel with an autoprop.
works amazingly well. The pitch increases the faster you go. 0-8 knots in 4 boat lengths. Reverse is great with minimal walking to port.
fair winds,
eric

HUGOSALT · #14 01-01-2006

I bought my boat new in 1985 with Yanmar 3GM (20hp)and sd20 saildrive. A real pleasure,never a problem in 20yrs. No vibrations very quiet. None of the problems of a shaft no leaks no alignment issues. I Change trams. fluid every other yr. and although not ideal one can change fluid by pumping it out from the fill hole if boat is in the water all year. The new zincs are in 2 pieces installed just foward of the prop. The saildrive may be convenient for the builder but i have enjoyed the extra room (a oversized port to starboard double bunk)plus motor runs nice and cool with lots of fresh air because it doesn''t have to live in a box in the cabin like it would if it was attached to a shaft. Instead it is far aft with total access on three sides. BTW it came standard with a alarm between the 2 heavy duty rubber seals in case of any water leaks, its never gone off except when i test it. No I dont miss the problems of a shaft. Yes I would buy a Yanmar saildrive again. No I dont work for them.

Hope this will be helpful
Hugo

cptjohn · #15 01-27-2006

I have a new Tartan 3400 coming in a few weeks with a Yanmar saildrive. Very happy to hear Hugo''s comments re: the good luck he''s had withhis Yanmar sd20. I live in Florida and will be pulling the boat only when necessary. Hugo, can you tell me how often you have to change the zincs.

Thanks,
John

cptjohn · #16 01-27-2006

I have a new Tartan 3400 coming in a few weeks with a Yanmar saildrive. Very happy to hear Hugo''s comments re: the good luck he''s had withhis Yanmar sd20. I live in Florida and will be pulling the boat only when necessary. Hugo, can you tell me how often you have to change the zincs.

Thanks,
John

cptjohn · #17 01-27-2006

I have a new Tartan 3400 coming in a few weeks with a Yanmar saildrive. Very happy to hear Hugo''s comments re: the good luck he''s had withhis Yanmar sd20. I live in Florida and will be pulling the boat only when necessary. Hugo, can you tell me how often you have to change the zincs.

Thanks,
John

Redbeard-Arrrrrrr · #18 01-28-2006

There''s a guy in Toronto who has designed a replacement Sail Drive that is Electric - He''s fabricated a plate to replaace the OMC (POS) drive. Being Electric it is virtually maintenence free - all you need to worry about in the winter is the batteries!

I LOVE this solution, since I use the motor to get in and out of our slip - but thats it! (I''ll get power for 2 hours of runtime since I''m a seasoned sailor and know better)

Now I don''t have to have gas/deisel on board, no loud, vibrating iron jenny, and best of all, plug in the boat after a sail and thats it! no oil, no temp issues, no through hulls, ahhhhhhh, heaven!