A leaky propeller shaft seal or stern gland is fairly normal. A few drops per hour pose no real threat, but the flow always tends…

A leaking water pipe can often be temporarily repaired by wrapping the hole or split first in several layers of tape – ordinary electrical will…

Debris in the oil will reduce the life and efficiency of a hydraulic drive. The pump components are manufactured to extremely small tolerances, measured in…

These consist of a constant displacement pump driven by the engine which forces hydraulic oil down high pressure tubes to turn a constant displacement motor…

Saildrives resemble an outboard, dispensing with conventional sterngear and emerging from the boat’s hull direct. 1 Hull. 2 Seal. 3 Ahead/astern/neutral gears. 4 Drive shaft.…

Large propellers provide a high degree of bite and control at low speeds but high drag when sailing. Small propellers have less drag but also…

To keep the shaft aligned, and provide support, it is held by two sets of bearings – one supporting the gearbox, fixed inside the boat,…

Conventional seals consist of a stuffing box into which are laid several layers of grease-impregnated packing specifically made for the purpose. The box is closed…

Unless it is specifically designed to allow an angular misalignment, you must take the same care lining up a flexible coupling and its engine. This…

Whether the engine is mated to its drive shaft by a flexible coupling or connected directly to the propeller shaft flange, it must be carefully…