VP Saildrive propeller shaft oil seal replacement schedule

[yotter]

My boat is currently ashore and having change the saildrive VP130S oil is was nice and clear, so sign of water ingress. I do wonder and cannot find any info, do VP recommend changing the prop shaft seals as a service item. I would rather not remove the bearing carrier to inspect unless I have to, Why do I get the feeling I may regret asking this question. The seals were last changed in 2021 when the main hull diaphragm was changed. we have done 200 engine hours since then. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Tranona]

No need to change on a service basis. Change along with diaphragm change is sensible, particularly as it often makes getting the leg out easier if the carrier and shaft are removed first - and you can fully drain the oil. On my first saildrive the seals were first changed after 3000 hours!

 

[yotter]

Thanks Tranona,
I respect you words.

I am not keen to disturb the lower end unless needed and if I did, I may well replace the O rings at the same time as no great cost. My slight concern is if water gets in and caused groves in the shaft that would require repair, but in 2017 I went through that and fitted speedy sleaves which was straightforward and reasonable cost.

 

[Moodysailor]

As Tranona said, there is no replacement interval for the propeller shaft seals on those, they would only normally be replaced if there is susicion of a leak (emulsified oil).
That said, commercial rubber components have a service life of 5 years so that could be a guideline if you felt the need to preemtively change them.

 

[Halo]

I would say that if they needed changing after 200 hours they are designed badly. On any job you can unintentionally make things worse. I would leave them alone

 

[PabloPicasso]

My 120 saildrive seals were replaced and speedisleeve fitted.

There was a fishing line & hooks caught up in it. Who knows how long they had been there?

Makes sense to do the seals if you do the diaghram, every 7 years acvording to volvo. Mine had been there since 1981 and was still good.

 

[Moodysailor]

I would say that if they needed changing after 200 hours they are designed badly. On any job you can unintentionally make things worse. I would leave them alone

Yes & No.
I’ve seen them fail in less than a season due to fishing line, a few seasons due to scale build-up, and last for years until the shafts wear.

The design is perfectly fine for the intended use, but there is always the possibility of damage from something else.

You make a good point about not breaking something that isn’t broken.