ZF BW-3 Transmission Help!!

[crewzen]

I just launched my 1984 Hunter 27, and we found that the transmission is bad. The dealer pulled the transmission out and has dropped it at a shop for repair, but we have not been able to get a response from the shop so far. I have done exhaustive research online to try and get information on the ZF BW-3 transmission, and have not been able to find ANY info anywhere. The engine is a Westerbeke 13, and i have gone down the Westerbeke road, local and national distributors, and same for ZF and nobody seems to have any real help on whether we can get replacement parts, or more importantly if we can buy a new replacement for this transmission. We are desperate, as we only have a few weeks to get this boat ship shape for an upcoming regatta.
I am asking for anyone who has information about this transmission and configuration for any help, suggestions, etc.
Surely we are not the only ones who have had to deal with this issue, so anyone else who can help us we would be most grateful.

SURVEY INFO:
Transmission Make: ZF
Transmission S/N: 32788
Type: BW-3, Straight
Ratio: 1:2.27

Thanks in advance!

 

[amcmahon]

Sorry to hear. Had the same problem with my '82 h27 about 4 years ago. I'm away right now on 7 day cruse so when I get home I'll look at my notes, but the botto line for me was to buy a new Yanmar YM15 and install myself. The cost of repair was to be over $2500 and I would still have a 25 year old engine that in my case had other problems - so I bit the bullet - paid $5200 and it was the best boat decision I've made. Now have 1600 hours on new one and it runs PERFECT - great power and economy. I know this is not what you want to hear, and when I return next week I'll see what other facts I have. Tony

 

[kloudie1]

Have ya taken it to a real machine shop and had them look at it? There is nothing in that garbox that cannot be made from scratch by real machinists.. it might be expensive, however.. any idea exactly what failed?
Is it a multi disk clutch unit , or is it a Cone clutch?

 

[crewzen]

After exhaustive research Westerbeke has let me know that the ZF5 was the replacement for the BW-3, and now the ZF6 is the replacement for the ZF5. The transmission is on the way and going to put it in this week. If all goes well it should be a good fit, but may have to change prop. I will post what the final results were when the ordeal is completed.