Pulling to port

[NoviceRod]

I took our NImbus 405 fly down to Darthaven yesterday, but she was pulling to port all the way, such that the autohelm was holding her on 9 points to starboard.

She had a lot of growth and barnacles on rudders and props. Could this be the cause, or should I be looking for something else?

 

[Rappey]

I would certainly be cleaning the growth off and having a quick visual inspection of rudders and props before worrying to much that something is wrong.

 

[NoviceRod]

All cleaned and engine service underway - engineer found that port gearbox was totally kaput!! After 2 years and ~70hours. So starboard engine was driving the boat.

What's up with Volvo? I am told this should be under warranty, but will be expensive if not

 

[Rappey]

Good that you have found the cause and even better if you can get the repair carried out under warranty.
Not so good that it happened in the first place.

 

[vas]

All cleaned and engine service underway - engineer found that port gearbox was totally kaput!! After 2 years and ~70hours. So starboard engine was driving the boat.

What's up with Volvo? I am told this should be under warranty, but will be expensive if not

out of curiosity, what does it mean "totally caput"?
what model gearbox?

cheers

V.

 

[Bandit]

Volvo Penta buy in gearboxes from various manufacturers. Sounds like the clutch was not engaging fully and was slipping?

 

[NoviceRod]

Sounds like the clutch was not engaging fully and was slipping?

That was what Rob suggested. Went from slipping to complete failure.

 

[DAKA]

All cleaned and engine service underway - engineer found that port gearbox was totally kaput!! After 2 years and ~70hours. So starboard engine was driving the boat.

What's up with Volvo? I am told this should be under warranty, but will be expensive if not

I had a similar issue last year.
Hurth ZF 63A professionally installed by ZF Agent lasted about 80 hours under 2 yeas old , beyond economical repair .
When Hurth ZF 63 A are painted green they become Volvo Penta HS63A

Hurth ZF refused to pay towards any cost of repair/replacement ( pleasure use only so warranty is 2 years)

I asked the installer to pay seeing as ZF Warranty wouldn't and I received a substantial sum back.

I strongly advise getting a specialist to look at it to establish just how it has failed (in my case a ZF dealer had to strip it down and send the report to ZF).
BUT is isnt just about the gearbox , it is vital to check the installation , take photos .
Look out for

Damaged cooler allowing raw salt water into the gearbox
Stud inserted the wrong way so it stripped the threads
re used nylon thread lock nuts to flexible coupling
Check the nuts used on the flexible coupling are the right size so that they haven't become loose
No earth bonding between the flexible coupling
no grease to drive spline

If you do have a HS 63 , check the prices of a Hurth ZF from Fred Warner , brand new about £2000 plus VAT



Who installed your new one and who do you have checking it for warranty cover (feel free to PM me with details in case it is the same company)

 

[NoviceRod]

DAKA - thanks for the advice. I have had the boat 2 years from new, so gearbox was installed at factory by Nimbus. Darthaven are following up with Volvo and Nimbus. UK Nimbus dealer tells me it should be covered by warranty - I hope he is right!!!