Stern Gland kit vs. New Beta system.

[ronbodkin]

I've been laboring over a decision:

My stern gland, which has apparently been leaking from the inboard
seal into the bilge is now leaking at the outboard seal into the
Chesapeake. (My assumption based on seeing a film of oil rising to
the surface that seemed to be coming from the prop area. There was
also some white stuff that looked like wet bread)

Any way, I'm debating the wisdom of hauling the boat for the second
time this year to repair the stern gland. I'm guessing this will be
$600 all told plus the cost of the repair kit (Steve?). So if this
all costs nearly a grand, would it make sense instead to bite the
bullet and install the whole new beta system for around $6,000?

Naturally I'd prefer $1,000 vs $6,000 but I'd hate to spend $1,000
and have the old Volvo "buy the Farm" 6 months later.

What should I know about installing the Stern gland kit? What could
go wrong?

Also, I've thought about just installing an outboard for now to get
me through for a couple years til i can better afford a new beta.
(then I'd have a redundantsystem on board) Any thoughts on that
option?

 

[jimmyvusa]

Ron:
Why don't you try to use what's left of the summer and enjoy yourself. When you are back on the hard after summer you can make a good decision. A nice running diesel sure is a blessing. This is the 1st year I have had any trouble with ours.

I have a Tanaka 5.5HP longshaft (dubbed Aquabug) equipped with an alternator which I got new in 1990 for my 26' sloop which had the outboard hidden in the lazarette hatch. At least I think it's an alternator because of the black and red wire nuts staring out at me adjacent to the controls. Someone literally gave me a 6 hp Evinrude years ago which I used until I sold my old boat to buy our Vega. As a result, I have less than half a dozen hours on the Tanaka. It is a beast with F/N/R with an underwater exhaust. I have been holding onto it as a back-up in case my MD7a goes kaput. Now, I can't see myself drilling holes in the transom of our beloved Vega for an outboard attachment.

If you really needed a temporary solution to keep sailing this summer you could come up and test this outboard at our marina and if you like it take it away for a song say $300-350. Same goes for any other Vega owner needing a temporary fix. I am guessing this motor which is no light weight goes about 60-70lbs. I have a remote tank that goes with it as well as fuel line and fittings. I am amazed at the 4 figure longshaft outboards of today most of which have no alternators.

Hope it works out for you no matter your decision. I am going to try to keep the old Volvo going. Happy sailing.............Jim

ronbodkin rbodkin@... wrote:
I've been laboring over a decision:

My stern gland, which has apparently been leaking from the inboard
seal into the bilge is now leaking at the outboard seal into the
Chesapeake. (My assumption based on seeing a film of oil rising to
the surface that seemed to be coming from the prop area. There was
also some white stuff that looked like wet bread)

Any way, I'm debating the wisdom of hauling the boat for the second
time this year to repair the stern gland. I'm guessing this will be
$600 all told plus the cost of the repair kit (Steve?). So if this
all costs nearly a grand, would it make sense instead to bite the
bullet and install the whole new beta system for around $6,000?

Naturally I'd prefer $1,000 vs $6,000 but I'd hate to spend $1,000
and have the old Volvo "buy the Farm" 6 months later.

What should I know about installing the Stern gland kit? What could
go wrong?

Also, I've thought about just installing an outboard for now to get
me through for a couple years til i can better afford a new beta.
(then I'd have a redundantsystem on board) Any thoughts on that
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