3 Tips for Choosing the Best Used Marine Gearboxes

The marine gearbox also called the ship gearbox, plays a vital role in the ship’s operability. It connects the engine to the propeller shaft and ensures that the vessel attains optimal speed and performance. When shopping for these gearboxes, you will mainly encounter two significant options: new and used. Most people choose the used ones due to their financial advantages and reliability. But what should you look out for when selecting used marine gearboxes? Read on to find out.

1. Know the Different Types of Gearboxes

There are two types of used marine gearboxes currently available in the market: mechanical and hydraulic gearboxes. The first type, as the name suggests, operates mechanically and is very simple to use. Its mechanism has a main and auxiliary shaft that are usually connected by gears. When moving forward, the transmission is direct. On the flip side, sailing backwards requires swapping rotations.

Hydraulic gearboxes, on the other hand, work by engaging hydraulic pressure. They feature a multi-plate gearbox made of bronze and steel-mounted plates that are rotated by the engine. For it to sail forward, the bronze plates press against the propeller shaft, and the steel plates allow for the movements. When sailing backwards, the gear reverses the rotation.

While both options are ideal, hydraulic gearboxes stand out as they can deliver full power and switch in both directions. When choosing a used marine gearbox, ensure it is compatible with your current system so it can match the desired output torque and speed.

2. Consider the Specifications and Cooling Systems in Place

Due to their constant movement, gearboxes are susceptible to wear and tear. Used marine gearboxes are even more prone to corrosion damage as they operate in salty water. As you narrow down your choice, ensure your brand is well-built to operate optimally, especially in marine environments. This will ensure it serves you for a long time without any expensive repairs.

Another feature that will improve the experience of your used gearbox is an adequate cooling system. Since gearboxes run at least 60% of the time at speeds of 3000 rpm, overheating concerns are very valid. They require cooling systems to prevent overheating, often leading to premature failure or making the machine unusable.

3. Check the Required Maintenance

Gearboxes are machines with complex mechanisms. For this reason, they need regular maintenance to ensure they work well. When choosing a used marine gearbox for your vessel, consider the brand and the availability of the spare parts. Ensure they are easy to find and replace.

In addition to the spare parts, check whether you need specialised expertise to perform the maintenance and repairs. If you need an expert on board, you may incur expenses.

Conclusion

As you can see, finding the ideal used marine gearbox doesn’t have to be complicated. While many factors come into play, the above three are the most important ones to ensure your selected gearbox operates optimally. Start by checking the type of used marine gearboxes available and ensuring it aligns well with your vessel type. Secondly, know your desired specifications and ensure that all the cooling systems work efficiently. Don’t forget to assessthe required maintenance and repairs.