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Strange seacock / water intake problem

N

Necatour

New member
Hi,

My first posting here. I hope you might be able to help out. We are about to buy a sailing boat (Contrast 36) and during an inspection we found a problem with the intake "holes" which sucks in cooling water on the saildrive on the Yanmar engine (though, we do not think the problem is related to any specific brand). The holes have become much larger and deformed over time and it seems like an on-going process. One theory is that the damage is caused by an electrolyte process when different metals are used on the saildrive and another one is that there might be a problem with the electric wiring on the boat. Please see the attached images. Any input to this would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Henrik​
 

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Is that copper bottom paint on that drive ? Copper-based bottom paints cannot be used on an aluminum drive and will result in serious corrosion.
 
Thanks for your input. I don't think it's copper... The owner has applied 9 layers of epoxy coating to "stop" the problem. There's also a zink plate fixed to the hull (not in the pictures). The owner says the deterioration stopped after this. Though, this might cure the symptoms but not the actual disease. BR Henrik
 
Do you actually mean a Contest 36? Center cockpit?

Saildrives almost always have this problem sooner or later. Many people actually have so many problems that they have to use a separate seacock for the raw water intake. You also have to worry about the saildrive seal failing.

Better to get a shaft drive rather than saildrive.

In any event, you will probably get more of a response on www.cruisersforum.com
 
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