Having been frustrated at my inability to get up the Hamble against the tide in full flow, I have set my mind to finding ways to resolve the fact that the original Farymann Hydromarin propulsion system likely needs changing. Here’s my thoughts so far:
Option | Pros | Cons | Cost |
1. Add Outboard | Simple and cost effective, esp as I have an 2.5HP outboard | Not the actual solution in the long run – likely challenges with operation in some conditions | Up to £200 for bracket and bits |
2. Replace Prop | Simple / Cheaper | Not known if this will solve problem. Prop has been changed already but problem exits | up to £1500 for Featherstream |
3. Replace Hydraulic Drive | Straightforward and does not need significant works on Cohchide | Could be expensive for new prop and unit but at this stage – it is not known whether the hyd system is at fault at the Pump/Pipes/or Drive end | Could be c£1500 (for new system as there are not many second hand) with works |
4. Keep engine but remove Pump and change to driveshaft | Avoids full outlay for new engine – the Engine seems to work fine (achieving RPM OK) – could be simple interim fix | Would need to turn around engine so require a same amount of install effort for new engine – would likely need to procure new fuel tank – new gearbox would be necessary which might not be compatible with Farymann | 3 days at £350 plus parts c £1300? Found a Farymann compatible gearbox on an A30 (so additional spares) for £200. |
5. New Engine / New Driveshaft | Relatively simple option with range of prices for engines – from 1GM10 to used Vetus 14 – can get second hand bargain | Buying an older engine may need replacing but it’s the most expensive option. Would need a new fuel tank as well including new electrics / wiring etc | Yanmar 1GM10 from £800, to £3000 for S/H Mitsibushi Vetus plus works @3 days and new fuel tank plus works – £2200 to £4400. |
In the end, I opted to at least do option 1 to get me through the summer holiday we planned on board. Adding the 2.5 HP got me up against the flow (particularly so before I scrubbed the prop – more on the next blog – but save to say, I was not getting the expected 3.5Kts still water, from the inboard – when I went below to inspect whilst on a mooring on the Beaulieu – it took 20 mins to scrape all the barnacles off in 30 second breath holds…). However, it was not all plain sailing – if you are trying to sail with a bit of engine boost – in certain winds the outboard will cavitate/come out of the water. Plus its a precarious lean over the pushpit to pull the starter chord – potentially hazardous – particularly given i am only using it when i need a boost (ie to get out of trouble) so not necessarily flat calm. I had visions of going swimming…
I’ll also take her out of the water and strip the hyd system off – this will mean spending time turning the engine around but at least the mounting brackets and looming don’t need changing. I’ll of course need to find a driveshaft and flex coupling (the A30 wobbles quite a bit being single piston diesel) – but I should be able to keep the prop shaft and coupling at that end. Helpfully I have found a gearbox on a working A30 for £200 all in which I will use. I’lll necessitate a new throttle and I will miss the ease of berthing with a hyd drive but not the lack of puff when you really need it!!
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