Sailor 280 is scrap - There goes the sailing budget

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:02 pm

On the way back to the dock on my last sail my Sailor 280 overheated and siezed. After cooling off I easily freed it, but it ran rough and smoked a lot. Compression was 105 and 95.

I finally tore it down and there is severe scoring/galling in one cylinder and on the piston skirt. Pistons are no longer available. I considered sleeving the block if I could get a good piston.

So, I'm thinking about a new motor, but worried about the extra weight and even more so about tilting clearance. Does anyone have any recommendations or ideas?

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:18 pm

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:33 pm

If you haven't already, check with Franz Buddenberg at www.franzmarine.com. He should be able to supply you with what you need, not sure about cost effective.

I have a spare powerhead, but no idea what the compression numbers are on it

I'll second Alan, you may can get some good out of the parts towards the nre motor. I see the Magnapower unit go for good money on Ebay, the replacement version is close to 300 new, and the coils are a hard to find item as well. Also the lower units draw attention.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:47 pm

Dang. Sorry to hear that.
I hope you get a newer and more reliable motor!

Scott

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:42 am

EE,
Franz was one of my first calls. No pistons available and it sounds like he's down to his last two sets of rings. Ironically I was planning a complete overhaul over the winter to make sure it's reliable and durable.

The admiral and I discussed it last night and we agreed that a new motor with no worries is the way to go. I'm still suffering sticker shock though.

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 6:21 am

I had the "mother-in-law scare"

She was planning to come visit and go sailing with us...the thought of getting stuck w/o a working motor and the vision of me pulling on the starter rope while drifitng aimlessly was motivation enough for me to go out and buy a reliable 4-stroke to replace the old original chrylser sailor, it worked but I did not trust it.

Then came the crazy stuff, the motor wound costing almost more than the boat!, I also got the three blade mickey mouse ear pusher prop, and now I am going to rebuild the motor mount... the 4-strokes are so damn heavy!

I went with a very slightly used suzuki 9.9 four stroke. heavy as hell but works like a swiss watch. press the button and it lights up real nice smmooth and quiet.... very stress free and comforting.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 6:26 am

Isn't Franz just a gem ! Maybe I best pick up those last rings for future ref.

Sticker shock, understood !!

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:38 am

Tom,

I'm in the same situation. My 10 hp Chrysler sailor impeller want out at the end of this season. I replaced it but the motor started hard and ran rough. I took it in to have it checked and have the same problems you do.

I was planning on taking my C22 to the Florida Keys over Christmas break. The cost of a new motor isn't in the budget this month plus they run about twice what I paid for the boat. Used ones are hard to find and don't last long on the market. I may have found an 8hp Yamaha high thrust 4 stroke with electric start. If I don't find something in the next week I will probably take my 16' ski boat on vacation which would make my 17 year old son happy.