Saildrive

[incognito]

A friend is buying a boat, for which the surveyor's report identifies a loose fitting prop. It is a saildrive with a folding prop.
Now, we have heard a rumour that Volvo have between-you-and-me admitted to a design fault with the folding prop, in that the splines are manufactured in an aluminium alloy and they should be nickel-aluminium (these may be inexact, I am not an expert in these matters).
As he is one of that small minority who do not have a computer or access to the Internet, he asked me to inquire if anyone else has anything they can offer on this topic, facts, opinions, rumours welcome. (Facts preferred).

 

[john_travers]

If its a 110s sail drive leg with the 2 bladed folder held on the spline with a castellated nut and split pin it will probably will be loose.
Mines been loose for 6 years.The first owner of the boat, built in 1981, wrote to Volvo asking "should it be loose?"
Volvo replied "not to worry". So I dont.
I inherited the letters with the boat.
Stick a few cocktail sticks in the spline.That stops the wobble

 

[Guest]

"Cocktail sticks" Now I've heard it all <s>

 

[vyv_cox]

Cocktail sticks...

are available from your Volvo dealer, only 10 pounds each.

 

[Guest]

I brought a yacht 2 years ago with exactly the same problem,

as you say either the splines are worn or they we manufactured to the wrong spec.

I fitted a new two bladed fixed prop (about £100), and it was a nice snug fit...

As long as the saildrive shaft is not worn or their is no play in the shaft bearing it should be ok (also check for water in the saildrive oil)...