Volvo saildrive... issues?

photodog

photodog

Lord High Commander of Upper Broughton and Gunthor
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Hi guys...

I’ve got a md2020 circa 1998/99 in a Bav...

A) does anyone know which saildrive model they would have had on that... I can’t seem to see if it’s a 120 or whatever..

B). Coming out of the marina today, Put her In gear and got massive shaking which just got worse as the revs increased... both in fwd and reverse... no vibration in neutral, and no water it appears in the oil... no unusual noises that accompany.... I’m assuming a prop issue... anything else I should be looking for?
 
If it is original it will be a 120, and yes, classic symptoms of something round the prop, probably a poly bag
 
You should find the type spec on a label rear-facing near the top of the unit.
Certainly sounds like a quick swim is needed, to check the prop.
 
I have a cheapo waterproof camcorder which I mostly use for such a case. I just lower it on some cord and twiddle it round a bit. I've seen weed on the prop more than once and it's given me the assurance that drying out was necessary.
 
johnalison said:
I have a cheapo waterproof camcorder which I mostly use for such a case. I just lower it on some cord and twiddle it round a bit. I've seen weed on the prop more than once and it's given me the assurance that drying out was necessary.
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I’ve got 4 gopros.... sadly all sitting in a case in the office 150 miles away....:p


Anyways, I’m gonna get a lift ASAP and see what the issue is... hopefully a quick clear and we will be good to go.

:encouragement:
 
photodog said:
Hi guys...

I’ve got a md2020 circa 1998/99 in a Bav...

A) does anyone know which saildrive model they would have had on that... I can’t seem to see if it’s a 120 or whatever..

B). Coming out of the marina today, Put her In gear and got massive shaking which just got worse as the revs increased... both in fwd and reverse... no vibration in neutral, and no water it appears in the oil... no unusual noises that accompany.... I’m assuming a prop issue... anything else I should be looking for?
Click to expand...

i picked up a flip flop which was lurking under the surface at an anchorage which had similar symptoms.

the prop blade had conveniently hooked itself around the toe strap and was effectively wearing it, the odds!, i just got in the water and took it off, i appreciate a marina is a little different but can't you just hop in with some goggles?
 
I had a 1981 boat - only a few years old then - with a 13hp Volvo saildrive ( I forget the no. ) - DO check the core plugs and or have some quick setting Araldite / epoxy handy - guess how I know...:rolleyes:

I met an owner of a Carter 33 which had a folding prop where the blades weren't linked by cogs, massive vibration and very little drive when only one blade flicked out.

This case sounds like weed on the prop though.
 
Do check that the bolts on the rear saildrive mounts have not come loose. Happened to me after a (professional) saildrive seal change.

Lead to a louder vibration but certainly not something we could feel in the cockpit.

When it happened I put the drive in astern to remove what I thought was a rope around the prop - then went below to have a good poke around and found the loose bolts.

Used Loctite and not reocurred since.
 
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Wish I had an answer other then what been suggested, we had this twice now within a year , both times just after we started when we been sailing , both times in a swell , both time I had to dive down and both times I found nothing , we have a Bruntons auto prop and I can only put it down to one of the three blade isn't setting right when it put into gear , the prop has been Grease in between the first and second time its happen , both times after checking the prop and engine. The vibration went .
long chat with Bruntons with no out come although they did say if it happen again to remove it and send it back and they will take a look , one suggestion here on another posting was a small bit of weed would knock it out of balance , Bruntons dont agree non do I I think you would need quite a lot of weed wrapped around the prop blade to do that . Even so nothing was found .
It could be that in between me diving down while the boat was bounce in the swell something that was on the prop fell off , but twice mmmm .
Just out of interest what propellor does the OP have ?
 
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It’s a bog standard 14x11 l fixed two blade.....

All these stories of lost blades are now putting me off getting a folder! ( which I had been on point of ordering!) ;)
 
Cactus Sailing said:
i picked up a flip flop which was lurking under the surface at an anchorage which had similar symptoms.

the prop blade had conveniently hooked itself around the toe strap and was effectively wearing it, the odds!, i just got in the water and took it off, i appreciate a marina is a little different but can't you just hop in with some goggles?
Click to expand...

Not in our place.... it’s like soup....
 
I think the question ' what prop ' is very pertinent - and spending megabucks on fancy propellors does not seem the solution.

Also I've found grease on external bits of boats a bad idea, it jams up winch pawls - relatively easily sorted by using teflon spray instead - but underwater grease attracts foreign objects like small stones or wee beasties to jam up things like folding prop's - I don't think I or anyone knows the real answer, but avoiding smart-arse variable pitch jobs and checking anodes seems a good start.
 
photodog said:
It’s a bog standard 14x11 l fixed two blade.....

All these stories of lost blades are now putting me off getting a folder! ( which I had been on point of ordering!) ;)
Click to expand...

There are "stories" about everything, but that does not mean that they are true, nor more importantly that you have to believe them. Some of them are anecdotal and date back to the early days when some of the products were less than good, or mainly they are secondhand and unreliable.

If you are buying one of the reputable makes such as Flexofold, a blade coming off is the last thing to worry about. The only negative is the effect on your bank balance, everything else is positive and the benefit permanent. A Flexofold 2 blade would be perfect for your boat. Real first hand experience of having one for 7 years on 2 different Bavarias. Completely trouble free, works as it should and no signs of any deterioration over that period in the water all year round.
 
I once had my saildrive external rubber flap fall off and get caught around my prop. I'm referring to the one that glues on the hull to streamline it.
 
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