Moody 42 CC Ketch changing the S Drive Gasket

Paolo Gnecchi Ruscone

Paolo Gnecchi Ruscone

Member
Boat name
LOLA
Berth
Amelia
Boat type
Moody 42 (2000)
Cruising area
Mediterannian
I am getting some quotes to get the sDrive gasket changed, (Volvo Penta recommends this to be done every 7 yrs ) I am getting conflicting quotes from 2,000 to 4,000 Euros ( the part costs 400 Euros ) the expensive one says that to do so they need to move the engine forward 20 cm, and to do that they need to move the s/s fuel tank forward, and to do that they need to dismantle the cabinet around the tank..... now it seems strange to me that moody did not take in account this standard maintenance practice so suspect I'm been taken for a ride, does anyone have any experience in this excercise ?
I would also like to have any suggestions as to other work that should be done at the same time .
( I did post this in another forum but it was moved by admin to a page that I can not see so reposting here hoping its ok )
Thank you
Paolo
email: paolognecchiruscone@gmail.com
 
Hi and thank you,
yes I assumed that was the reason, I would gladly join the Owners association even if I am in the final stages ( sea trials in 2 weeks ) of my hopeful purchase, in the mean time I am getting as many quotes for the repairs and maintenance that the boat will require, hence my post.
I was just hoping to have someone that has gone through the process.
Please do let me know if I can join before " officially " owning a Moody otherwise I will just sit tight ...

Thank you and regards
Paolo
 
Hi Paolo. I'm not familiar with the exact setup on M42 but the distance you need to move the engine forward is typically determined by the saildrive, not the boat. For the 120s saildrive, which I'm assuming is what you have, this is approximately 5cm. Another 2 or 3 centimetres makes it a bit easier but it's nowhere near the 20cms you've been quoted. A skilled fitter can complete the whole job on their own in a day, although it makes sense to use a second pair of hands for the few minutes it takes to physically remove the saildrive and put it back in so you don't damage anything given its fairly heavy. The only downside of this approach is that they won't have time to properly clean up and repaint the saildrive clamp or treat any other areas of corrosion, so it can help to spread it over two days. In my case (M36) I did the job myself over a couple of weekends and had the clamp and saildrive mount powder coated.. The diaphragm kit is about £300.
While the saildrive is out its worth checking the crankshaft rear oil seal for signs of leaks, and potentially replacing this, as well as the seals on the input shaft of the saildrive. I would also replace the seals in the saildrive leg behind the propeller if you don't know when these were last replaced. It's generally recommended to replace these every 7 years in line with the diaphragm, although if there's no sign of any water in the saildrive oil you could skip this. The following thread (if you can acess it) is worth looking at https://www.moodyowners.info/threads/engine-support-saildrive-removal-tips.22756/#post-143841
There are also plenty of other threads if you search for diaphragm or saildrive seals once you're a member..
By way of a comparison, on the south coast of the UK, you'll generally be quoted something like £2000-£2500 for this job, which to my mind is exorbitant, given how long it actually takes, but that's boats for you. John
 
Thank you very mush, very helpful indeed and thank you for the suggestions, will have those looked at like whilst they are there, was planning to replace the engine mounts as one has a bit rust .
 
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