Much has been said on this forum about the SD50 saildrive, short dipstick, leaking seals, soft prop shaft, faulty cone clutch etc., and tentative comments were made about the availability of the ‘new’ SD60.

So I thought to start a new topic.

 

For a moment I  considered doing away with the Yanmar and putting a Volvo in, but dismissed that crazy thought as the cost are significant (towards  €15K), new engine/saildrive, motor foundation in boat won’t fit, resulting in laminating work etc.

Also, I genuinely believe Yanmar makes good Engines, at least as good as Volvo, it’s the SD50 with Cone clutch that is a disgrace (so much for Japanese engineering and their focus on Quality).

 

So, after I replaced the prop shaft seal on my saildrive, the top seal  started leaking, and I figure it must be a matter of time before the clutch gives.

I was considering to have the top seal replaced and while at it, have the clutch replaced preventatively, and guess (not confirmed yet) I would be looking at a €1+k repair.

And then, in another 400-1000 hours, I would have to replace that cone again.

 

So now I started thinking about looking to put a new SD60 on.

This is possible, Yanmar wrote a bulletin confirming it fits, with some simple conversion parts.

 

Has anybody taken that step ?

And does anybody have an idea of the cost of that operation?

I couldn’t find prices for the SD60  (without engine) online.

 

Peter.