Saildrive removal (SD50)

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   Hi. Having been let down by Yanmar (no availablity of a part) and then my engineer (due to the delays), I am considering the removal and replacement of my corroded SD50 myself. Two questions for those who have removed their saildrive in the past if I may: 
1. Do I need to entirely remove the engine (3JH5E) to access and remove the SD50 or just slide it forwards?
2. Is there sufficient room in the engine bay to lift and then tilt the saildrive backwards to clear the prop shaft through the hull opening or do I need to butcher any of the surrounding bulkheads?

I'm replacing with an SD60 and have the adaptor plate. The part Yanmarr has let me down on is the damper plate between the engine and saildrive (part number is 177090-03500). Does anyone know where I might be able to find one quickly? I'm on the south coast of England. The boat is sat on hardstanding and I am keen to get in the water.

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MartinR34 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 08 January 2025 Location: Portsmouth Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote MartinR34 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Saildrive removal (SD50) Posted: 01 July 2025 at 21:58
	Hi. Having been let down by Yanmar (no availablity of a part) and then my engineer (due to the delays), I am considering the removal and replacement of my corroded SD50 myself. Two questions for those who have removed their saildrive in the past if I may: 1. Do I need to entirely remove the engine (3JH5E) to access and remove the SD50 or just slide it forwards? 2. Is there sufficient room in the engine bay to lift and then tilt the saildrive backwards to clear the prop shaft through the hull opening or do I need to butcher any of the surrounding bulkheads? I'm replacing with an SD60 and have the adaptor plate. The part Yanmarr has let me down on is the damper plate between the engine and saildrive (part number is 177090-03500). Does anyone know where I might be able to find one quickly? I'm on the south coast of England. The boat is sat on hardstanding and I am keen to get in the water.

jeb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 05 May 2014 Location: Sweden Status: Offline Points: 339	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 July 2025 at 08:01
	I did this during the winter when I replaced the diaphragm. I would recommend to remove the engine completely to have good access, the hardest part is the first 20-30cm where you need to lift (or slide) it with COG inside the engine room. I would recommend to remove the companionway and use a chain hoist and then put the engine on some type of cradle. I used a "C" shaped beam to be able to use the chain hoist the first 20-30cm. To get the sail drive out you need to remove the prop shaft OR separate upper from lower housing, no need to cut or remove any interior. First option is the easy way. You also want to secure the leg so it does not tilt and jam the pinion in the damper-plate. This is even more important when re-installing. Edited by jeb - 02 July 2025 at 09:36
	Jesper Hanse 400e

Ggerrit Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 June 2016 Location: Monnickendam Status: Offline Points: 163	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ggerrit Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 July 2025 at 15:36
	Hi, During the covid period I also changed to a sd60. I just slide the motor on a temporaly fundationmade from concrete plate frontwards. And The demperplate is availe in the Netherlands...
	H400 2008 2 cabin

MartinR34 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 08 January 2025 Location: Portsmouth Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote MartinR34 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 July 2025 at 15:45
	Thanks. I'm hoping to do the job over the next couple of days.

MartinR34 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 08 January 2025 Location: Portsmouth Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote MartinR34 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 July 2025 at 15:46
	Thanks. I will do similar. I have now ordered the damper plate from the United States. Ridiculous that Yanmar UK cannot source one...

Arborist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Commander Joined: 26 July 2022 Location: Sligo Status: Offline Points: 74	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arborist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 July 2025 at 20:18
	Nice shed!!!
	hanse 400 2007 no 244

MartinR34 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 08 January 2025 Location: Portsmouth Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote MartinR34 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 July 2025 at 12:35
	Hi. Quick update. Engine is now removed. SD50 also removed. I couldn't pull the prop shaft as the parts were welded together through corrosion, so I split the leg from the gearbox. Diaphragms appear perfect despite reportedly being 15 years old Now need to clean the engine bay and install the SD60. To remove the prop shaft for install presumably I simply drain the oil and then remove?

jeb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 05 May 2014 Location: Sweden Status: Offline Points: 339	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 July 2025 at 12:49
	That is correct regarding the removal of prop-shaft. May bee it is not filled with oil if the SD60 is brand new. When I removed my shaft I made a tool to apply even force on the cover. I used the 2 SS adapters that connects the 2 anode pieces to the leg. I removed the Anodes, the 2 SS adapters halves, took out the 2 bolts holding (M10?) the cover and then re-installed the adapters and threaded 2 long screws (M8 if I remember) that pushed to the bottom of the M10 holes in the leg. I could then remove it without any jamming by carefully screw in bot screws at the same time. Sorry, but I don't have any pictures, only the anode kit. The SS adapters marked in red.
	Jesper Hanse 400e

MartinR34 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 08 January 2025 Location: Portsmouth Status: Offline Points: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote MartinR34 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 July 2025 at 13:52
	Thanks Jeb. I think that the saildrive comes pre-filled as there is a sticker suggesting that the oil level be checked before running. I'll check. Thanks for the advice regarding the removal of the cover.

Ggerrit Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 June 2016 Location: Monnickendam Status: Offline Points: 163	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ggerrit Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 July 2025 at 15:43
	Hi, You don't have to remove the propshaft....Mine fits through the existing hole. not easy but it did.
	H400 2008 2 cabin



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