replacing saildrive lower leg

[SteveGorst]

My saildrive leg has been severeley corroded this year and I am going to replace it with an eBay purchase that looks in good fettle. My saildrive is fitted to a beta engine through an adapter plate and it looks like I have to take the engine out before I can remove the saildrive. I was wondering whether it is possible just to unbolt the saildrive from below and drop it through the hole in the bottom of the hull. I'm fairly confident I can unbolt it its just a question of will the fllange go through the hole.

 

[Spi D]

According to the installation manual it goes in from above:
http://www.betamarine.co.uk/downloa...aprop 60 Drawings/1790-1460-SD-SOM-200512.pdf

 

[SteveGorst]

According to the installation manual it goes in from above:
http://www.betamarine.co.uk/downloa...aprop 60 Drawings/1790-1460-SD-SOM-200512.pdf

Yes I'm aware that is the conventional way of doing it but I was looking to make it a little easier for myself. I'll probably try it anyway and let the forum know how I get on. The worst that can happen is it doesn't come out and I have to take the engine out anyway. At least it will be lighter without a leg attached...

 

[brians]

Yes I'm aware that is the conventional way of doing it but I was looking to make it a little easier for myself. I'll probably try it anyway and let the forum know how I get on. The worst that can happen is it doesn't come out and I have to take the engine out anyway. At least it will be lighter without a leg attached...

On mine, albeit Volvo, we just slid the engine forward a few inches to disconnect the driveshaft and lifted the saildrive out. No need to disconnect fuel, water etc.

 

[Slowtack]

Easier to clean, attach new gasket, sealant, reassemble, refit bolts etc with the whole thing on a bench.
Based on experience of doing it twice.