Betamarine Selva saildrives

[Gladiator]

Hi Scuttlebutters - I recall a distant thread on this forum regarding problems with Selva saildrives on Beta engines. Indeed, I posted a few complaints about a problem I had with a Selva unit attached to my Beta 28 and, after a protracted argument with Beta UK I got a replacement saildrive by agreeing to accept the cost of installation (it was only 2 months out of warantee and had <50hrs on it). Now, two seasons later the same probloem has occurred with the replacement unit and I've discovered that Beta no longer fit Selva drives. I'm left with a very large bill to attempt a repair of the Selva unit (which Beta say will fail again in a year or so) or buy a new sail drive from Beta which will require reglassing the mounts. Beta has plainly decided to rid themselves of Selva so, presumably other owners have suffered similar problems. I've been away from the UK for a bit so I've not kept up with threads - can anyone point me in the right direction to read what has been said? Has anyone succeeded in getting any assistance from Beta regarding repairs of their failed Selva drive?

 

[Habebty]

Had no specific problems with my Selva, but extremely narked about the price/availability of spares.
£75 for a ring anode
£20 for a prop nut
Non standard spline shaft so likely £250 for custom adaptor sleeve.

I have spent many hours on the interweb looking for cheaper spares.

 

[yoda]

The phrase - merchandisable quality springs to mind. I would push them hard on this one because as you point out they know there is an issue with the units.

Yoda

 

[exfinnsailor]

' Not fit for purpose ' might get them to do something. If it failed after 50 ish hours its not what you would call reliable. I would head back to them and ask what they propose to do about it. They supplied it.

 

[monkfish24]

It is my engine/saildrive that is having problems.... still!

I have lost reverse drive. The engine has done no more than 200 hours since fitting in 2004, the engine however is from 2000. We aren't the original purchasers of the engine so have never really pushed Beta for a resolution. We are going to try and repair it ourselves. I will let you know how I get on.

Looking at the diagrams though, it's not going to be an easy job!

James

 

[mdonnelly]

Try their new saildrive, ring anode £90+vat.

 

[Joker]

Resurrecting an old thread ...

"Non standard spline shaft so likely £250 for custom adaptor sleeve."

Can you get adaptor sleeves selva/volvo?

 

[Skylark]

IIRC, the Citizen Advice Bureau website has a standard letter template covering sale of goods / merchandisable quality wording. I'd definitely keep pushing. Best of luck!

 

[haydude]

According to consumer law:
1) it is the dealer who is responsible to replace or amend non fit for purpose units if they fail within the statutory 2 years warranty period, NOT the manufacturer
2) Standard Warranty by law is 2 years. Any indication of a lesser period of time is null and void because the law does not allow it

If two of these units failed after short time and little use as you say you have a good case to show that they were not fit for purpose. In these cases and with the evidence, bear in mind that in case of a dispute with the dealer you can refer your case to your credit card company to recover the money (this is also guaranteed by law). Hoping that you did set the bill using a credit card.

Having said that, please could you let us know what is the exact model and the recurring failure so that we have it here documented for current and future readers?