Glenn,
I'm sure you are referring to zinc replacement, and possibly sail drive oil
changes, but I'm not sure it has to be that bad.
I've been hauling every other year, and my zincs lasted that long. I hung a
zinc guppy at the dock (well, most of the time) the first 2 years, but now I
have a galvanic isolator that reduces the load on (erosion of) the zincs.
Saildrive oil changes can be done, although it takes a lot of time in
repeatedly replacing the 1/3 of capacity oil that can be sucked out. (The
larger Yanmar SD has means to suck out all, or most anyway). But I've been
using synthetic oil w/ longer drain intervals.
Somehow, since I have a cat with the engines/saildrives behind a water tight
bulkhead, in a boat that has positive buoyancy, I'd be more concerned in
cutting that big hole in the middle of a boat that could sink. Even though
the opening is double sealed.

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
newsVxTf.536409$0l5.370530@dukeread06...
Originally I was going to put a saildrive on Rutu but decided against it.
Compared to a traditional shaft drive with strut, shaft log, stuffing box
and alignment problems they are a piece of cake to install and they are
quiet but it is pretty well mandatory that you haul out at least once a
year for maintenance. Not a problem for northern sailors who haul for the
winter but in the south where the boat stays in the water and with care
you can get a couple of seasons out of a good bottom paint they can get
expensive.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Willy" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am rebuilding a Pearson 32 which currently has a Universal 11 Hp. I
want to install a new engine and thinking about the Yanmar Sail Drive
unit instead of the traditional shaft driven props. Has anyone
attempted this operation before and does anyone have any suggestions or
comments.
Thanks, Willy