Yamaha (NOT Yanmar) saildrive
Posted by Sracer42@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Does anyone have any experience with Yamaha saildrive units? Specifically any sources for replacement parts?
Horror stories also welcome!
Arthur-Dent7x6@reddit
I installed the Honda version SD280 over a decade ago in a Laser 28. It ran well for about three years then I discovered water getting into the oil. The saildrive lower unit ( which is essentially an outboard lower unit) has the oil gallery adjacent the cooling water. The gallery wall corroded through letting water into the oil. Totaled the whole package. I replaced that lump with a Yanmar 1GM saildrive. Best move ever.
Sracer42@reddit (OP)
Thanks. I believe I am going to pass on the boat and this powerplant is the main reason.
Raneynickelfire@reddit
Well, considering Yamaha does not manufacture a saildrive - I have a feeling you're going to have a VERY hard time sourcing parts.
Sracer42@reddit (OP)
This seems to be a common belief however I am looking at a boat with a Yamaha saildrive installed. When I asked the yard manager where I kept my previous boat he was "familiar" with them and the yard had worked on one.
Raneynickelfire@reddit
Yamaha themselves have zero information on a saildrive, only outboards.
You have an outboard engine that's been modified to a saildrive-like installation.
When you say "saildrive" it means a certain thing, and that certain thing was never manufactured by Yamaha.
Sracer42@reddit (OP)
It's a Saildrive 330. Engine made by Yamaha.
But if it is that important to you to be right, please be my guest. Since your input is of no earthly use to me I will just peace out.
BoredCop@reddit
Right.
So it's not a Yamaha saildrive, but a different brand saildrive unit with a Yamaha engine.
Sracer42@reddit (OP)
You are also correct. Thank you.
Advanced_Link_5753@reddit
Ahh you lost me at semantics, engine had a Y on it. Why ask why? 😂
Advanced_Link_5753@reddit
Just be GLAD it wasnt Volvo
Meowface_the_cat@reddit
Is it a "Saildrive 330"? If so it's indeed a Yamaha 15 hp 4-stroke engine mated to a saildrive gear case made by Nykopings Marinkonvertering AB in Sweden. They take a bog standard Yamaha 15hp 4-stroke outboard powerhead and mate it to their own proprietary saildrive leg/gearcase that they make themselves. The company does still exist but they now build on Parsun engines rather than Yamaha. Parts for the Yamaha should be okay, I would be worried about the leg personally. The membrane needs changing every 5 years and is totally proprietary. Also an inboard petrol engine is risky all round, it only has a 7ish amp alternator compared to 50-100 on a more modern engine - honestly quite a lot of drawbacks to these, you'd have to really want the boat.
Sracer42@reddit (OP)
Thank you. It does seem to be a Saildrive 330. It is the leg membrane I would be worried about getting ahold of.
I owned a boat with an Atomic 4. Gas is definitely not my first choice, and neither is saildrive. I like the boat but this powerplant is a big and getting bigger negative.