shaft vs. saildrive

jadkkd · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Have been hearing several concerns about boats with a saildrive sytem for power, that the saildrive is a a maintainance concern especially in the waters of New England. Electrolysis is a major concern

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

just a big hole in the bottom of the boat. (imho)

Fstbttms · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Why would the waters of New England be an issue? How are they any different than anywhere else?

jadkkd · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

I'm certainly not an expert and am the last person to know but electolysis a bigger issue on the east coast?

Fstbttms · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadkkd

I'm certainly not an expert and am the last person to know but electolysis a bigger issue on the east coast?

No. Saltwater is saltwater. We are not talking about some force of nature on a regional scale. Corrosion issues are generally due to a problem aboard the specific boat in question and have nothing to do with where in the world the boat lives.

jadkkd · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

ok but would the corrosion be a biiger problem on the saildrive?

Fstbttms · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Saildrive legs can corrode, but properly maintained and protected by zincs, they are no more prone to this than shaft/prop arrangements.

rockDAWG · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Saildrive legs can corrode, but properly maintained and protected by zincs, they are no more prone to this than shaft/prop arrangements.

Agree. THe proper use and maintained are the key. I believe SD is a viable alternative. As we gain more experience on SD, it will replace the shaft. I hope the engineers are working on one that can rotate from side to side (left and right). Bow truster will be replaced.

If the hull is properly designed and the SD is properly installed. A big hole at the bottom of the hull is my least concern.

Omatako · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

If the hull is properly designed and the SD is properly installed. A big hole at the bottom of the hull is my least concern.

Nahh - SD can't swim nearly fast enough!

killarney_sailor · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Someone I know and respect who has a great deal of experience with sail drives recommends not using the water intake that is part of the sail drive. Rather, seal the intake with epoxy and fill the leg with antifreeze mix. Then get your cooling water through a conventional through hull. Not having sea water on the inside of the leg will dramatically reduce the possibility of corrosion - and yes, you still need to keep a close eye on your zincs.