vOLVO SAILDRIVE-ENGINE REMOVAL

[Artimes]

It is necessary to take out the Volvo 2001 engine while the boat is afloat. No problem, but will the sail drive seal withstand the upward thrust of water pressure although the weight of the saildrive should compensate. Has any one done this and what precautions if any are required...many thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[schilde]

Each time I have removed my saildrive i have had the boat lifted. I would be very surprised if the boat didn't sink with a big hole in the bottom. I know there is a rubbery seal on some saildrives that smooths the flow of water round the leg and the hole, but this will not give a watertight seal when you take the engine out.

Alternatively, I think it may be possible to leave the drive leg in position and remove the engine from it. Best get hold of a manual. Most of them can be found on the internet.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

can't speak for the volvo but i have removed one of my yanmars while afloat, leaving the saildrive leg in place, and sailed 60 miles in that condition. i lashed a couple of timbers across the engine beds and bolted the gearbox flange to them to prevent the leg wobbling about. in the case of the yanmar there are three engine mounts- two on the block and the third at the back of the saildrive.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alldownwind]

I presume you plan to leave the saildrive leg installed, obviously. It's not a question of water pressure upwards, it's a question of weight of gearbox and saildrive downwards, hanging on the gaiter, because (from memory) there will be nothing else taking the weight. I wouldn't do it.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Dipper]

Snowleopard’s advice sounds good.

The Volvo 2001 with the 120S saildrive has three mountings – two on the engine and one on the saildrive. It would therefore be advisable to support the saildrive before the engine is detached to stop it twisting on the single mounting and putting unnecessary force on the saildrive seal. In fact, if you removed the engine whilst ashore the leg would weigh even more (as it is not immersed) and the twisting motion would also be greater.

The saildrive leg itself isn’t particularly heavy and in my opinion is very unlikely to damage the rubber seal but you should secure it anyway to stop the constant motion of the boat rocking the leg excessively (and therefore the seal) for days on end.

Water pressure won’t be a problem. The seal will only be a short distance below sea level – perhaps only around 30 – 40cms. This will only be exerting pressure similar to the pressure you find when you remove your log impeller whilst afloat.

The only real risk you have is if the saildrive seal is in poor condition and gets damaged due to the disturbance although it is probably better to notice that whilst on your mooring than not to notice it at a later date whilst you are under sail!

<hr width=100% size=1>