saildrive

[chrispan86]

Hi, I have a 10hp volvo penta saildrive with a 2 blade folding prop, it has never been very effective in reverse even struggling to stop the boat from only 1kn in the marina, last weekend it got worse and refussed forward drive as well, it has done this in the past but normally given drive after a couple of tries, eventualy we got it to drive and motored into the marina without reverse as usual. has anyone got any ideas of what maybe causing the problem, the engine was fitted 2004 and prop 2005.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Talbot]

Almost certainly the pivot point has become badly worn and it is not unfolding properly. dry out and look at it to confirm diagnosis, then replace it!

 

[Dipper]

What make of propeller do you have fitted? Some have lightweight iron/steel blades and don't open readily. Heavier, thick, bronze blades are much better.

I have a Radice, 2-blade, bronze, folding propeller on my Volvo saildrive (9HP engine) and I can stop my 26ft boat from 4 knots in its own length.

It sounds as though you have some weed/marine beasties/debris jammed in the blades somewhere.

 

[chrispan86]

I think that the blades are bronze, the invoice just says pair of varifold blades and and hub kit, these were proffessionaly fitted july 05, the boat is a 28' fin keel cruiser racer, I purchased it 2 months ago following a survey and inspection of the bottom by myself, the performance has never been reliable since we dropped the mooring to sail her back.

 

[Dipper]

I think Varifold is specific to Bruntons. If so, then it is a good make so the design and quality should not be a problem. These blades are geared so any debris jammed in the gears could prevent opening in both forward and astern. If the boat wasn't used for a while before you bought it, the propeller may have become fouled. I often find some calcified sea life in the gears (when hauled out each Winter) but this never builds up to a significant level because I always give the propeller a quick burst forward and reverse every time I get on board just to ensure it stays clear.

I don't think there will be wear in the pivot in such a new propeller but there could be damage from electrolysis if any anodes had failed to do their job. Another possiblity is that the pivots and gearing need greasing. I do mine every year.

 

[savageseadog]

'fraid it sounds like the teeth on the blades have gone. If you can lift out try opening and closing the blades while forcing the blades against each other.

 

[2Tizwoz]

Is the propeller actually turning or are the cone clutches worn?

 

[Dipper]

Good lateral thinking!

 

[chrispan86]

Thanks for that, i'm going to check the prop this week and try and work out if prop is turning or not, whats the situation if its the clutch, is it a diy job? I'm an engineer and a fairly competant mechanic so don't mind trying myself.

 

[Dipper]

I haven't any experience with the cone clutch. It would probably be a good idea if you bought a workshop manual. They are quite expensive (£25 eight years ago) but should help if you intend taking things apart unless someone on these forums can give you a blow by blow account. Manuals and many spares can be bought from Keypart .

Let us know when you have worked out what the problem is. It could happen to me next!