Read about technical solutions discovered by our members

The Volvo Penta MD22L fitted to the Maxi 38 has a 18mm diameter core plug fitted to the heat exchanger... and is virtually inaccessible. The plugs rarely (if ever) fail and so they are not available as spares. So read how Caorann spent £166 searching for a solution that did not necessitate removing or replacing the whole heat exchanger. The solution is to tap the plug hole and fit a new threaded plug...

Some time ago there was some discussion about fitting sea water filters to the Maxi 1100 Volvo 2030 diesel. Most owners would want to fit one even if the risk of blockage is low (as it is here on the W Coast of Scotland).

The two and three bladed folding propellers fitted to Maxi Yachts currently use anodes bolted to the propeller for galvanic protection.  Older propellers do not have these anodes and rely on the leg anode for protection. The propeller fitted with anodes is electrically isolated from the propeller shaft, the propeller without anodes is not. Apparently, some rope cutter installations can bridge the electrical insulation between the shaft and the propeller.

We are told that Volvo do not agree to rope cutters being fitted to their props and if you have a new propeller this invalidates the Volvo 3 year warranty. Volvo have stated that all their dealers are instructed to inform owners of this fact.

Hence owners who are contemplating a cutter should discuss it fully with an authorised Volvo dealer who should also undertake the fitting and provide confirmation of warranty.

Note: Saildrives are also electrically isolated from the engine block, at least on later models.  Hence it is important to check there is no continuity between the leg and the engine.  Do make sure the throttle/forward/reverse controls do not inadvertently short circuit the insulation!

I am pleased to report that the Nanni diesel is now installed in my Maxi 95 and works wonderfully - smoooth and quieter than the original Volvo.

Of course the old Volvo had no waterlock but the volume of water going through it was considerably smaller - especially in mine latterly judging by the steam that came out!