A New C-drive Installation

One of the unique features of the Amel yachts from the 1980's through the 2020's has been the C-drive. Mounted on the keel, they have proven to be a robust, efficient way of transferring engine power to the propeller of a cruising sailboat. These units are of simple and robust construction, and have proven reliability fo hundreds of thousands of seamiles. But.. they do take maintenance. Regular oil and seal changes, and keeping the engine and shaft alignment corrent are not optional.

I have worked with a couple clients at this point who bought used Amels that had not been well cared for, and as a result had a catastrophic failure of the C-drive. New C-drives are available from Amel, and will cost about $35,000.

Although all C-drives are nominally interchangeable, a new unit is very unlikely to be a drop in replacement. The fiberglass housing will almost surely need to be modified to alin properly on an existing hull. That, combined with the need for precise alignment of the engine with the input shaft of the C-drive means that a good deal of precision is needed to ensure the new installation will be long lasting and reliable.

A new C-drive being shimmed to fit in an Amel 55.

Precision is required for a good fit.

Old and new, the upper unit of the C-drive for a Super Marmu