by Chris Mardon
(Plymouth, Devon, UK)
Checking my sail drive gear box oil last November it looked creamy opaque and its level had risen to nearly overflowing. Clearly the prop shaft seals had failed. I have left it on its berth since November, in the water at Plymouth Yacht Haven (UK) but not used (engine stopped). I fear the sea water in the sail drive leg will have settled to the bottom and oil floating on top. I I would like to know from others who have had the same experience whether corrosion became a problem inside the bottom of the drive leg. The prop shaft is stainless but I suspect the taper roller bearings are not stainless. Did they suffer damage or did the thin coating of oil protect them?