prout35
New Member
We are considering purchase of a boat with a Stillette drive leg. We've heard both good and bad about the leg. Do you have any thoughts to share? Thanks.
Stillette drive leg evaluation
- Thread starter prout35
- Start date
Will_M
Well-Known Member
Why not speak to the guys themselves? Sillette Sonic Alan or Glyn there, most helpful..
gonad
Well-Known Member
got one on mine no problems 6 years
boatmike
Well-Known Member
It's Sillette actually not Stillette, and there is good and bad to tell.
The actual engineering is fairly robust and agricultural. Looked after they go on for ages. Neglected they get stiff in operation and things break.
It is excellent being able to lift the prop out of the water when sailing to reduce drag. It also helps to reduce corrosion and electrolysis when moored. When you get used to it the steering is like an outboard and can help you backing out of marina berths.
Also, if you get a rope around the prop you can clear it easily.
If I had a choice however I would prefer twin engines and saildrives as it is far more manouverable, especially when going slowly. You cannot turn in your own length with a leg like you can with twin engines.
Also a twin engine installation is more versatile in that you can motorsail with one engine. Two things I really don't like is the rope haul lifting device. (I have mine fitted with hydraulics) and the "outboard style" aluminium propellers that corrode like hell.
Don't be put off a good boat with the leg in good order though. Even if its knackered, they are easy enough to refurbish and spares are reasonable. A new prop will cost you £150 or thereabouts. I would rather have twin engines for choice though!
The actual engineering is fairly robust and agricultural. Looked after they go on for ages. Neglected they get stiff in operation and things break.
It is excellent being able to lift the prop out of the water when sailing to reduce drag. It also helps to reduce corrosion and electrolysis when moored. When you get used to it the steering is like an outboard and can help you backing out of marina berths.
Also, if you get a rope around the prop you can clear it easily.
If I had a choice however I would prefer twin engines and saildrives as it is far more manouverable, especially when going slowly. You cannot turn in your own length with a leg like you can with twin engines.
Also a twin engine installation is more versatile in that you can motorsail with one engine. Two things I really don't like is the rope haul lifting device. (I have mine fitted with hydraulics) and the "outboard style" aluminium propellers that corrode like hell.
Don't be put off a good boat with the leg in good order though. Even if its knackered, they are easy enough to refurbish and spares are reasonable. A new prop will cost you £150 or thereabouts. I would rather have twin engines for choice though!
oxman
Well-Known Member
I am about to rebuild my sillette leg - (a mark 1 with internal gearbox) - Sillette (see above) very helpful as are John Cutler Marine in Thornham Marina.
- I used it for a couple of months last season having just bought the boat and could not fault it - as you say manoeuvring would be much easier with 2 engines but I am very happy to live with what I have on my Prout 35.
I even managed to get around several marinas without the sillette steering working so it can be done --- very carefully!!
- I used it for a couple of months last season having just bought the boat and could not fault it - as you say manoeuvring would be much easier with 2 engines but I am very happy to live with what I have on my Prout 35.
I even managed to get around several marinas without the sillette steering working so it can be done --- very carefully!!