Volvo saildrive... issues?

Tranona said:
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.
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Funny you should say that..... I was on the point of ordering one of those. Now postponed until we get her lifted.
 
Seajet said:
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.
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Forgive my ignorance. But where on a volvo "saildrive" does one get a core plug?
 
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photodog said:
Funny you should say that..... I was on the point of ordering one of those. Now postponed until we get her lifted.
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Whilst there is a miniscule chance of losing a blade from a folding propeller, there will be far less chance of getting something wrapped around it whilst you are sailing.
 
Dipper said:
Whilst there is a miniscule chance of losing a blade from a folding propeller, there will be far less chance of getting something wrapped around it whilst you are sailing.
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And you won't have to watch everyone else sailing faster than you all the time.
 
We had a Volvo on our Bav 34 from 2001 which originally came with fixed volvo prop. We replaced with a Volvo folder after the hub on fixed prop became unstuck from blade . So first thought is your prop hub and blade might be separating in some fashion . No doubt experts can advise why Volvo props and hubs unglue though but a folder removes this risk and Volvo folder ones when we looked seemed simple option but appreciate models might have moved on for other brands. Lots of posts on merits of different folders for Bavs no doubt on owners forum though . If it's not the prop or obstruction then maybe gearbox issue ? If fitting a new prop would suggest adding an ambassador ropecutter at same time is a relatively modest add on if not already fitted ?
 
Quick update.... prop is split around the hub.

Apparently not uncommon.

So, new prop, job done.
 
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