sab motor with varable pitch prop - Page 2

jimjazzdad · #11 06-20-2012

I had a 27' Albin Vega with a similar setup - 10HP Volvo Penta with a variable pitch prop. I liked it. Mine had just one lever to control the boat's direction and speed -it was nice. That said, marine mechanics in North America seem to be unfamiliar with these systems and are sometimes reluctant to take them on. I learned how to service it myself and it was no big deal. Most of the parts are generic metric bearings and oil seals available at any good bearing supply house. Then there was the hoodoo about what grease to use in the stuffing box (the stuffing box is really just a couple of oilseals with grease in between to alow the outer control shaft to slide back and forth to adjust the pitch...) - any thic, sticky, waterproof grease seemed to work. The boat had some bad behavior in reverse (what sailboat doesn't?) but I think that was more due to the prop being located above and aft of the rudder than the variable pitch. Its good to note that tug boats and other large vessels use variable pitch propellors a lot. I would go with one again.

As to Sabb, never had one but I used to see them quite a bit as lifeboat engines - possibly a good endorsement.

hellosailor · #12 06-20-2012

Marty-
Variable props have long been standard on aircraft, so there's reason to think the concept works. I suspect the reason it is shunned on boats, is that putting more moving parts in a corrosive salt water bath and relying on seals...We should all be cringing by now, right? (G)
I'd like an exotic sports car, too. But not the maintenance bill I know it will require. A cheap bulky gearbox, a solid shaft, no bearings, no seals...This is why Detroit products could be fixed with a screwdriver and plier, while German ones required specialized tools.

WanderingStar · #13 06-20-2012

A couple of my friends have them and like them. Both built their boats and chose that engine.
What did your stepfather build Marty?

blt2ski · #14 06-21-2012

WS,

He built a Bill garden modern day sea bird yawl. One of Rudders "LAST" plans before that rag went kaput! Not sure how many others, if at all were built. HERE is a link to some pics a couple or three years ago when we got in on a trailer, the fall before launching. Gives you an idea of the shape etc.

The design itself has some issues as to how well it turns etc too. It would have been nice of the motor was a bit stronger. Not sure if the tack reads true. Seems to be about half of what it really is turning in my mind. The claim is to run at 1500 or so rpm for best speed performance etc But seems to like about 2000-2200 on the tack, along with get some reasonable speed out of the boat. Not sure of the speed, as a knotmeter is not installed.

It is what it is, when he dies, family will probably sell it, like all things, for as much as they can get. Not sure it will be a lot considering many variables about it.

Marty

WanderingStar · #15 06-23-2012

Home built wood boats can be very hard to sell, but both Garden and the Seabirds have a following. I have the plans for the original, expanded (Seagoer), and an early plywood version. I alway wanted to build my own cruiser. I have built a few dingies and a kayak, but really didn't want to spend the timebuilding bigger. I respect him for doing it.

miatapaul · #16 06-23-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

WS,

He built a Bill garden modern day sea bird yawl. One of Rudders "LAST" plans before that rag went kaput! Not sure how many others, if at all were built. HERE is a link to some pics a couple or three years ago when we got in on a trailer, the fall before launching. Gives you an idea of the shape etc.

The design itself has some issues as to how well it turns etc too. It would have been nice of the motor was a bit stronger. Not sure if the tack reads true. Seems to be about half of what it really is turning in my mind. The claim is to run at 1500 or so rpm for best speed performance etc But seems to like about 2000-2200 on the tack, along with get some reasonable speed out of the boat. Not sure of the speed, as a knotmeter is not installed.

It is what it is, when he dies, family will probably sell it, like all things, for as much as they can get. Not sure it will be a lot considering many variables about it.

Marty

Quote:

Originally Posted by WanderingStar

Home built wood boats can be very hard to sell, but both Garden and the Seabirds have a following. I have the plans for the original, expanded (Seagoer), and an early plywood version. I alway wanted to build my own cruiser. I have built a few dingies and a kayak, but really didn't want to spend the timebuilding bigger. I respect him for doing it.

I like it, but yes she will be hard to sell. You can tell a lot of work and love went into the build. I have respect for anyone who can complete a project like that. I wonder what percent of boats like that never get completed? I would think the majority, as it has to be a multi year project. Plans change and life can get in the way! Props to the completion of the project. Have any interior shots?

blt2ski · #17 06-23-2012

I do not have too many shots that I can show as this one is. It took some 30 yrs from start to finish. as one says, life gets in the way. 6 yrs doing nothing while his wife/my mom fought a battle with cancer, a few yrs of trying to get ones feet back on the ground. One of my sisters and her husband helping for abit, more time off, another helped get it finished as he approaches age 90! as said, wonder how many never get finished.

Nor is it my style of boat. If I inherited it, it would be gone yesterday per say, or a major redo of the trans would be in order. Motor works ok for its size etc. I would go with a neutral style trans, 3 blade prop vs the varible 2 blade to get a bit more bite. Re rig the rigging a bit, along with put wheel steering in, as you do not get a full enough rudder movement side to side with the way the tiller was mounted and designed.

Hull size, from what I can see, about the same as my 28' Jeanneau, you will not get this to move real fast. I've only sailed on it once, we only put up the main and jib. Major case of lee helm! The mizzen might have helped a bit. It's a funky design needless to say. Think I have a pg for the plans some where.

marty

miatapaul · #18 06-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I do not have too many shots that I can show as this one is. It took some 30 yrs from start to finish. as one says, life gets in the way. 6 yrs doing nothing while his wife/my mom fought a battle with cancer, a few yrs of trying to get ones feet back on the ground. One of my sisters and her husband helping for abit, more time off, another helped get it finished as he approaches age 90! as said, wonder how many never get finished.

Nor is it my style of boat. If I inherited it, it would be gone yesterday per say, or a major redo of the trans would be in order. Motor works ok for its size etc. I would go with a neutral style trans, 3 blade prop vs the varible 2 blade to get a bit more bite. Re rig the rigging a bit, along with put wheel steering in, as you do not get a full enough rudder movement side to side with the way the tiller was mounted and designed.

Hull size, from what I can see, about the same as my 28' Jeanneau, you will not get this to move real fast. I've only sailed on it once, we only put up the main and jib. Major case of lee helm! The mizzen might have helped a bit. It's a funky design needless to say. Think I have a pg for the plans some where.

marty

Yea, I understand, it is not a boat I would like to own, but I enjoy all kinds of boats, especially ones like this that obviously have a lot of hard work and soul put into it. I think funky designs are cool if other people build and use them. I love the sharpies but would never want to own one.

oldgaffer · #19 11-16-2012

Hi Marty, I've just seen your post and joined so that I could shed some light for you, hopefully! The SABB diesel is a very reliable but pretty agricultural piece of equipment. Having said that I would not swap mine (18HP with the VPP).
The origin of the VPP was for Norwegian fishing boats which went out empty and came home full - hence requiring a different pitch on the prop. The key to ease of use is to set the idle speed as low as possible, preferably around 400 rpm (with prop engaged) as this makes the transition from forward to astern quite simple. If you try to move the Pitch lever with more than about 700 rpm you will find it quite challenging! The Instruction Manual tells you that there is to be at least 15 degrees of free play in the governor (throttle) before you get any response. You can set this quite easily. There is a domed not at the rear of the engine which contains a threaded bolt which increases pressure on the governor. You'll need an Allen Key to screw this in and/or out.
Hope this helps.
P.S. You don't have to be Amish to enjoy the SABB but it would help!!

blt2ski · #20 11-16-2012

gaffer,

I'll send info to sister that spends most of the time using the boat. But alas, not sure if good or bad, the boat was pulled last fall, and has not gone back in, so it maybe next spring summer before trying to figure out the how to truly make this thing work. But will keep th einfo at hand.

Along with a welcome to the craziness here! Just watch out for some feller named CD, he as some ugly under bit dog........if you see him, run the other way, and call 911!

Marty