Saildrive Gaiter

[Cantata]

In the process of changing boats, and the 'new' one has a saildrive (on a Volvo 2020). Not had one of these before.
I understand from various people that the 'gaiter' that provides the seal where the thing goes through the hull is supposed to be changed every N years (Volvo) or has a lifetime guarantee (Yanmar) even though the gaiter is made by the same people.
I know I can ask a Volvo dealer to find out what 'N' is, but I do try not to speak to them too often! If 'N' is 7, then I guess the surveyor should tell me the gaiter needs changing and I will be able to demand that the vendor pays for it.
But I wonder if some of you out there know more about all this than me (not difficult!).


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[Dipper]

This has come up several times before. Click <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/cgi-bin/forums/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=pbo&Number=442973&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>here</A> to see one of the threads.

Volvo used to recommend that the seal was changed every 5 years then extended it to 7 years but I have been told unofficially that they last at least 10 years and that none have been known to fail anyway.

The date of manufacture of the seal is printed on it (if you can actually get your head there to see). I expect a surveyor would ask it to be changed in line with Volvo’s recommendation just to cover him/herself.

Make sure that the engine mountings are in excellent condition (there are only three) because any additional play in these will put extra strain on the seal.

Finally, the outer rubber ‘gasket’ that is flush with the hull is not a watertight seal and actually has a hole in it but is there presumably to streamline the hull and prevent too much debris and fouling from getting into the space above.


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[scarlett]

Re: Volvo Saildrive Gaiter failure!

Has anyone experience of the failure of a Volvo seal?

Having one, I would be interested to know if they go suddenly or give plenty of notice by slow leaks. From experience, changing it when not necessary is a real pain.

Maplin used to, and maybe still do, sell a water level alarm for about £3 which I have installed in the engine compartment in the hope of getting an early warning of any water there. So far so good.

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[ashanta]

The Volvo replacement period is 7 years but that should not be your concern. In one of the previous threads someone mentions design and another having to take a saw to the bulkhead. These are the issues to concern yourself.
The seal is very effective and will cause you no concern as long as it has been fitted properly. I got Volvo to do this for me as I wanted a guarantee. However, I prepared my boat for the engineer so that his time was limited to just the task of replacing the seal and ring. The ring is just as important as the seal as it has to be in perfect condition i.e. not rusty or pitted.

To prepare for the engineer I removed the engine compartment. Dis-engaged the engine from the gearbox and moved the engine forward away from the engine compartment.
If your boat has been designed to allow you to this then fine but there are lots of boats that were designed in such a way that insufficient access can be gained with out major surgery.
Although Volvo are expensive, because of my boats engine compartment design I was able to cut the cost of the engineer. The job they did is simple enough but as I said, I wanted their guarantee.

Regards.

Peter.

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[Cantata]

Thanks all. Got some reassurance anyway!
Sounds like the surveyor will certainly comment on the age of the gaiter - boat will be 7 years old later this year - so it looks as though it will become a negotiating point on the price. Problem with ignoring the surveyor is that the insurance company might want to see the survey. Best deal might be to get the price reduced and change the gaiter next winter when the boat is here on the E.Coast and not the Solent!!
Thanks again for all the comments.


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