Parsons Gearbox in 1937 Robert Clark

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Galante

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I have a 1950s Perkins engine and a Parsons Marinomatic Reverse Gear Type C . Can anyone tell me a) where I can source clutch parts and b) how difficult it is to change the clutch plates?

Alternatively, does anyone know of an adequate replacement gearbox.
 
May I suggest you contact the Thames Vintage Boat Club. On their website they have a list of manuals for older boats and they have the manual for your gearbox.
I'm not a member of their club but know a little about them because my old Osbourne was owned by an active club member before I got her.
I hope this helps you.
 
IIRC the parsons 'clutch' is in fact a band round a housing containing the forward and reverse gear mechanisms. The band was said to be fairly easy to replace, though i never did one, so do not know for certain. When mine wore out it had the rather unnerving effect of losing the neutral position, so the engine went straight from forward to reverse. Starting the engine it would ususally pick up forward drive straight away, which lead to some interesting close quarters manoevering!

Try Parsons Mathway Marine near Andover tel (0)1264 889012 who should be able to give you info and availability of spares. see also their website: http://www.parsonsmathwaymarine.co.uk/parsons_engines.htm
 
I was able to acquire a secondhand Borg-Warner Velvet Drive gearbox which is marvellous. As it was completely dismantled when I bought it, I had the opportunity to become aquainted with its mechanism and how it works. A beautiful box!
Peter.
 
Welcome Galante.

I sailed on her when she was owned by the Raeburns' in the 70's at Tighnabruaich. Was a nice shade of green then. The last I heard Galante was in the Moray Firth area.

Tom Raeburn worked for British Polar Engines - and I'm pretty sure rebuilt the engine at least once.

I can't help other than contacting British Polar Engines who may be able to help. They have been around for a long time.

For info - my father owns Lassiette the other Robert Clark from Tighnabruaich.

Regards
Donald
 
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