OMC Saildrive

Feb 6, 2015
6
ODay 28 Lake Lanier
Any idea on how long the gasket or main seal (where sail drive passes through the hull) should last.

I just purchased a 1981 ODay 28. Previous owner (owned for 2 years--bought from an estate) did not know if/when gasket was replaced, have no records before his purchase. Boat has been in fresh water for at least 10+ years, maybe longer.

I'm hauling the boat soon for new bottom job. Any thoughts or recommendations on replacing this gasket?

Thanks
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,049
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
If you Google saildrive, or do any research...

From a recent discussion, right here on this forum, 7 years, from what I've read.
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
No further info from me but I did have this reference for the operator's manual.
The engine is a regular OMC 25 HP from that same period.. The bellows for the hull-to-engine joint is probably not available but a good rubber supply place could supply some stock to make one from.
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/components/com_mtree/attachment.php?link_id=8130&cf_id=24
Good Luck and welcome aboard
that rubber you want is Buna the same thing they make o rings out of it comes in many thicknesses stuff is tough as nails any o ring manufacturing company will have it in stock
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,095
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Quick note; I think the water pump impeller in that saildrive is in the leg as it would be in an outboard motor.. In that saildrive, I think it requires being out of the water to change it.. If the boat is dry, might be something to get done before launch.
 
Feb 6, 2015
6
ODay 28 Lake Lanier
Oct 9, 2012
10
Oday 27 Fairhaven, MA
Any idea on how long the gasket or main seal (where sail drive passes through the hull) should last.

I just purchased a 1981 ODay 28. Previous owner (owned for 2 years--bought from an estate) did not know if/when gasket was replaced, have no records before his purchase. Boat has been in fresh water for at least 10+ years, maybe longer.

I'm hauling the boat soon for new bottom job. Any thoughts or recommendations on replacing this gasket?

Thanks
Yes, if it's not leaking, don't touch it. I do have an intact one if you're talking about the flat gasket. I you're talking about the one that goes between the top of the leg and the first adapter plate, that is an actual o-ring. Haven't been able to find one in three years, so mine stayed where it is. No leaks, don't remove it is my advice. BTW - I have a 1974 O"Day 27. Good luck with the boat!
 
Oct 17, 2011
2,809
Ericson 29 Southport..
Parts for this setup are getting extremely hard to find. The last one I worked on was difficult to even find a water pump impeller to go in it. Hoard parts if you can find them..