For what its worth...
Hi Bob,
Got busy for a few days.
I was'nt sure if you responding to me, or to 1sttime...
I thought I saw a post where you recommended avoiding these units, but on searching back, I cannot find the one I remember. I apologize if I put words to something you did not say...
In your experience, are parts readily available for the saildrive? Is there a major issue with the hull sealing joint? I did see some other posts today that comment on how much quieter the saildrives are, and that they back a good deal straighter than conventional setups. I would like your opinion on these subjects as well.
Thanks so much,
Scott G.
Oregon City, OR
All I know is from the research I did when I bought my last boat. As I recall, mechanical parts for the OMC are available, but folks were having difficulty finding the hull seal. Fortunately it isn't a part that fails often, but if it does I don't know if you can get one. This is likely out of date and you should do your own research.
Regarding sail drives in general. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a newer boat that had a Yanmar unit, but would think twice on a Volvo unit. The saildrive eliminates alignment issues. Diesel saildrives are common in Europe. In general, gas is less desireable than diesel irrespective of the final drive configuration. Diesel isn't as flammable and range is increased. I motored about 150 miles on 20 gallons of diesel last year. I wouldn't think that a saildrive would be quieter, unless it is because the exhaust is under water. I suspect that there would be much less vibration. Less noise and vibration are big pluses when you are motoring on passage. They cause some measurable fatigue.
I thought I found a great deal on a boat, but eventually my on line research showed me that it was likely a great deal due to the fact that Volvo doesn't support the engine anymore. Given the fact that my 1981 S2 has its original Yanmar 2QM15, which is 28 years old but still runs like a champ, I don't want a Volvo if they stop supplying parts after 20-25 years. Plus most of Europe takes August off. My season is only 4-5 months long. I don't want to lose half a season because they are on vacation.
The Volvo isn't a straight drop in, from what I have read. However, this might be
http://www.saildrive.us/ and appears to be about $6-7000. From that perspective, any inboard repowering is likely to cost you that kind of money. I think that you just need to consider the fact that parts availability could impact you in making your purchasing decision. I would certainly expect to pay less for a boat with an OMC saildrive than an inboard diesel. I also would NOT buy a boat with an OMC saildrive without hauling it to inspect it for corrosion and checking the lower unit fluid for water (I think the fluid tends to get changed infrequently because the boat must be hauled to change it).
