Whitby 42 Brewer Sail Boats

I've taken out our Perkins 4.236/BW Velvet Drive 71c direct drive powertrain for resealing/rebuilding. When we bought the boat, the tranny leaked but the former owner hid this from me. The box started slipping due to low oil after about 12 hours of operation. Ultimately I quantified the leak rate as about an ounce per two hours. Let's assume that it ran with less than minimal oil for a max of 5 hours; the last half hour all it could manage at 1700RPM was 2.5knots. When I figured out what the problem was, and kept the box topped up, it seemed to be OK for the ensuing 100 hours while I delivered the boat home. Would you guess that there is damage to the clutches and/or other internal parts? Would you just change the seals or take it all apart?

Appreciate your thoughts!

John

I would rebuild and replace all seals, O-rings, clutch plates pack. The complete rebuilt kit is a available on Ebay for $160 us. If you have the tools you can do it yourself.
However you only want to do it once because of the difficulty of removing and replacing the gearbox on the Whitby. If you have any doubts have a pro rebuild it

Regards
Derek
Ocean Dove #328

Please let us know what you decide to do, and how it comes out. I suspect my 1974 BW Velvet Drive might have been slipping although I didn't have a working tachometer at the time, so was unsure of engine RPM, and had loads of growth on the bottom at the time (heading up river for haul out after 18 months of cruising). I'll be interested in your experience.
Good luck with it.
Roy B.

I have #79 last year the rear seal started leaking mostly when cold. The seal, seal puller and several other parts are ready to be installed but I would like a manul for the BW Velvet Drive. Any one have an idea where I can find one?

Thank you,
Vincent LoRusso
S/V Horizons

I have down loaded the Velvet Drive manual to the "Diesel Propulsion and Power Train "File Download" section
I hope this Helps
Regard
Derek and Darlene
Ocean Dove

I would definitely agree on rebuilding the unit as it has been slipping and burning up the clutches.
Lew