Prism Reviews: Bruntons Sigma Drive

[@499PUCK]

I think it's better to get a real world review by known sailors then a two sentence statement by an unknown source. Great work.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

cheers, thanks for watching

[@dennismoroney]

Just fabulous! I am ordering my Sigma drive as soon as i can! I really think you did an excellent product review, and qualified endorsement. It was so sincere, objective, and well presented, that it really reached both hemispheres of my brain, quickly satisfied my initial skepticism, and moved me to absorb the story of the Sigma Drive. What a great journey. Thanks, John.

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Dear me, what a review you've done. That company should sponsor you from now on. Thanks for sharing. Best from Hong Kong

[@PTcruser65]

I know!! right. i want a couple of these too, and i don't even own a boat!! What a grate infomercial ........errr, i mean a non sponsored and unbiest revue.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

They did supply us with an auto prop after purchasing the sigma drive to test out on how it compares to our kiwi prop, that review is in the works! Now If we could only land a PAID sponsor!

[@laurentfroggy6631]

PTcruser65, I took liberty to send your video to the company cause you did a real superb job at it, I just hope you don't mind. again, great videos from you both. thanks again for sharing. Best from Hong Kong

[@DaveWalker58]

I think I have watched or skimmed thru most of your videos. I have been considering a HC 33 for several years. Your videos are very enjoyable and informative. Have I missed other product reviews? This seems to be the only one.

[@somedaysailor7913]

Good points about the hull flexing. A more flexible coupling seems the logical progression to improving the drive systems overall performance. I don't have a boat yet, but you have convinced me of its merits. Excellent breakdown of the topic!

[@hbpirate9023]

Had a 1974 HC 34 the forerunner to your 33. It was powered by a Yanmar 35. Shaft alignment, engine mounts and Cutlass bearing problems were a constant problem. Sure wish I had something like this back in the 80's and 90's when I owned her. Still was a great boat.

[@donjvalley]

Thanks for the Sigma Drive review. I'm retired and very new to sailing but learning a lot from folks like you as I prepare to purchase my first boat. Always interesting in which products work well and are worth the investment!!! I don't mind if you get paid or sponsored, since you're already "on the water and living the dream" shows that you're smarter, more talented and persistent than those of us still stuck on land...

[@evwmail]

Ahoy, Ev here on Morning Star Whitby 42 ketch. I have 25 hours on my new V2206 Kubota (same as Beta 50) and ZF25A hydraulic gear with R&D with bolt on coupling new shaft and new 19/11 RH prop all aligned to 2 thou. I was not aware of the Beta drive. It will be going in nest time I haul, thanks for sharing AND see you out there soon.

[@glassman51]

Thanks for more great product advice Jon, I can't wait for your videos to start catching up to your location! Fairwinds

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Love my Sigmadrive. Installed it on my 48 Tayana sailboat and it has preformed beautifully. Great review!

[@tahoo2121]

very good review... I'm believing this will be in my drive train this year. ...waves (fromPortGardner, WA)

[@michaelcoontz827]

Thanks for this very informative review and thanks for also sharing the cost and cost comparison analysis at the end. Seems very logical to invest in this unit. Thanks

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Very good advice. Our new Beta has had the same characteristics, and we've looked at the coupling on our Morgan 41. Long drive shaft with a mid-bearing. This might be a great addition.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I would give it a hard look!

[@iCaribsailor]

Thank you! Great review. Ive had alignment issues as long as I've own my 38'Bene 15+ year and have been looking for solution and I have found one. Cheers!

[@queenofyeay]

Great review, well done. Production value was great too, if you'd been dressed in a marine supplier's uniform I'd have thought this vid was professionally done. Cool product also.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Shannon made me change my shirt three times to a cleaner shirt. I don't know if anyone noticed but I am wearing the same shirt in both ends of this video despite the time difference because that is my best white shirt! just a FYI, white shirts don't last on a cruising boat!

[@queenofyeay]

To be honest it wasn't the shirt that gave it away ; ) it was your unruly long hair peeking out from under your, lets shall we say "well used" hat! But no matter, I don't have a boat and I still thought it was interesting as well as educational.

[@sailingcruiser25]

nice review. Just did mounts for my Yanmar 3qm30 last year and i'm going to look into this coupling. Thank you

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

well done, will check that one out for my engine repower, it looks really nifty, though a little expensive...but I guess it saves you tons of hassle! Hope I will still catch you in the San Blas before you leave! Ahoy, Nike

[@CoastLife]

Agree.... I'm sold... We are in the midst of a engine realignment issue right now. it is not complicated... but a real pain. coming from a Automotive mechanic background. It seems crazy that these are just coming into existence. some sailboat things are amazingly archaic compared to cars. -Chad Ps. Love both of your channels.

[@sailndoug]

I purchased and installed the SD55 on my CSY 44 with a Perkins 4236 (85hp) based largely on this review and in speaking to Rod, the US rep. I have roughly 3 hours of testing on the unit running at all RPMs and can say that everything is accurate about the Prism review. I've reduced noise and vibration considerably but the best thing to me is knowing that there is proper alignment, even as the hull flexes, motor mounts compress, and such. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat! #nomorefeelerguage! Thanks for the review!

[@gregsage1605]

Perfect timing on this. I'm getting ready to repower and will definitely put one one based on this review! Thank you.

[@northernfliteproductions3075]

As a future cruiser, I learnt a ton here... thanks Jon!

[@SailingVesselPrism]

no worries!

[@mobiltec]

Great review. Very professional. Your editing is outstanding also.

[@paulcyr6093]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@jeremyrainman]

I just put a new beta in my 80s cruiser, I'm definitely popping one of these on. Also, guys, it appears Brunton's has either updated their design, or you might have been incorrect. They say on their website the materials used are marine (silicon) bronze and stainless steel. They don't mention mild steel.

[@rayleather8005]

Great review I’m tempted

[@svZia-Switch51]

Nicely done! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@danielhoyle3546]

That was very interesting. Learns a lot. Thank you.

[@petersmith8627]

good timing, about to lift out 4108 and repaint, new cutlass bearing etc

[@sicrado]

Well done! Gonna add this to the list....

[@hommie789]

Great review on the drive. I have not used the Segma but as a service engineer I can tell you that CV drives of all types should NOT be installed as straight as possible, the little balls need to move in the slots for proper operation and lubrication purposes, if the rollers don't roll in the slots it eventually pushes the grease out and then you get premature wear so maybe check with the manufacturer. usually a 1* is called for but as i said i have not used this coupler nor have i seen it just my experience over the last 40 years as a grease monkey. I been waiting for more reviews, your last for the anchor swivel was awesome and i know have one installed on my boat so thank you for that.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I know you are correct for all other CV drives on the market, but the instructions so clearly state to get the initial alignment as close as possible. Other drives like the aqua drive require it to be a certain amount out of alignment like you mentioned. Im sure the guys at bruntons could give you a more technical explanation.

[@hommie789]

I'm sure you read the directions and you know what you doing so i have no issue with your install, if that the way they designed it who are we to try and re-engineer it.

[@farnorth7314]

I have one on order now...it would appear to be a very good upgrade...I'll know more after launch; if we even launch this year.

[@svhappymondays9123]

That was very informative and has given me food for thought. stay safe guys Laters

[@dtonvista]

Thank you for the great information!

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

Hey I was number 100 on the thumbs up. I liked the view of the San Blas islands . Saw you on sv sundowner . The cayman crocodile that swim in the San Blas waters are not known as man eaters but I bet man could eat them . I hear the kite boarding is great there . You should invest in one , easy as water skiing once you learn to maneuver the kite.😎

[@SailingVesselPrism]

We have about as may toys as we can fit onto Prism as we speak. I know Tate is looking for a non expecting crock for some camen-bits... ;)

[@hughsmith4008]

All good info. I was amazed that you could get to the back of your engine. Film that. Must be double jointed. My Lord Nelson had me looking for a person under 5 foot and shaped like a reed.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

The new beta is about half the size of the old yanmar, with a pillow ontop I can just lay over the engine and work on the backside. I love how much room there is especially now with the smaller engine

[@luisadriandelgado5343]

awesome job!!!

[@sailingcorona7053]

Great review. Thanks for the info.

[@Reddsmorris1]

thanks for the review

[@360Crank]

Thanks for the review. We have a Yanmar 2GM in our little wooden motorsailer, that bounces around too much on it's too-soft mounts. This has caused problems with the Vetus coupling, so we're looking at this one as a replacement. Is there a North American supplier, or did you order from themanufacturer?

[@CawffeeTyme]

nice piece of hardware for my next boat, is that a bruntons autoprop on the boat as well, as I' looking at scoring one of those too....would certainly help with saving on diesel.....gonna try cruising on a real budget.

[@toddreimer1158]

Great review!

[@philedwards5703]

What mic setup are you using for this video? In the visibly high wind, it sounds great for being outdoors!

[@SailingVesselPrism]

We used sony UWP- D11 wireless lavs. Nice to use for interviews, remember back to the wind!

[@jacknimble1]

Did I miss the episode where you talked about your new engine and the installation. Sure looks nice and clean down there.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Nope, we will review the new beta soon and do a quick recap on the install

[@robertmcmahon300]

Excellent presentation.

[@steedharold]

Nice job. They owe you!

[@animanigrum2010]

I'm curious, if space wasn't an issue, say if you were building a new boat, would you use the Sigma drive system or the Aqua drive?

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I think the Aqua Drive is superior as no form of alignment is needed, in fact it must be a certain amount out of alignment. The Sigma still wants to be in as fairly aligned. But if space is an issue nothing beats the sigma drive.

[@offplanetevent]

Great for alignment, but it still places the drive pressures on the engine and trans mounts.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

well of course it does, but even pressure....thats the key!

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Good review. Actually $500 is not too bad for what it is and what it does. I also swapped a Yanmar (30 years old) out for a new Beta last year - so much better. I have the stock Beta coupling, but will give this some serious thought.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Gotta love the beta! Depending on how easy the alignment is on you configuration really either sells you on it or not. Cheers!

[@sailingcruiser25]

Jon. I'm looking into this coupler for our boat and I'd like your thoughts on one question. Where this unit uses a clamping mechanism to attach to the prop shaft, what are your thoughts on backing down hard in reverse while setting the anchor? We usually go to about 2000RPM and my concern is the shaft can eventually slide out of the coupler. Thanks for my addition information you can provide.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I had a similar worry. I asked Bruntons and they said that as long as you don't don't add a lubricant on the prop shaft where the coupling attaches to, it will not move. We have backed down hard on our anchor now many times and the shaft has not budged. This is also with a festering prop so we are getting a lot of thrust in reverse.

[@sailingcruiser25]

I ordered the Sigma drive, but had another thought about the alignment. The alignment still needs to be pretty spot on the vertical plane and as the mounts settle or ware the unit will be loading on that vertical axis. Thoughts. I'll email Rod and ask him the same thing.

[@prereed]

I like it, I like it a lot!

[@trevormackenzie2525]

Cool product and review. So what was the solution to your clearance issue with the feathering prop in the aperture?

[@SailingVesselPrism]

just had to tighten down a few different times, the auto prop requires a lot more clearance than our kiwi pro, luckily the sigma drive allows for this movement where the old coupling didn't due to its set screw.

[@trevormackenzie2525]

Sailing Vessel Prism. Ah ha, so without the set screw the shaft can slide forward or aft.

[@TheSolarmechanic]

Great review .

[@timlamarre8680]

Great video.

[@HenryBrzeski]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@SailSmileReDo]

Great review! You should do it for a living ))))

[@DellWolfensparger]

Can you tell me what brand of fan that is in the video?

[@mr.e7022]

OK, so after a few years on the sigmadrive, how is it doing? Still like it?

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Still great, update video defiantly in the pipeline.

[@BruceNdc]

How long did your parents have their first sigmadrive on their boat before it needed to be replaced, and what did it in? Best wishes, B.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

They installed the Sigma drive this summer soon after we took delivery of ours. I was immediately impressed by the build quality and my mom need to either have the engine re aligned for final alignment which in her boat retire the starter and changer to be removed. The labor alone was going to cost more than the sigma drive so it is a no brainer for her. My little brother installed it using the brunton's 6-4'' adapter for the SD 55. She bought hers through kingpropultion

[@Chris-dp3rp]

Hey Guys, I wanted to check and see how the SigmaDrive is performing? I know you have had it for a while now... Let us know

[@tjsmyth1741]

Fantastic!!!

[@tateedwards9486]

Did you put any grease in the coupling?

[@SailingVesselPrism]

no, they come pre-packed

[@timlamarre8680]

No video from you in a while. Ok, did you actually install the sigma drive and is it worth it?

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Its awesome! sorry for no updates as of late, internet has been less than reliable where we have been. Ep.29 took 3 days to upload, enjoy. Sigma drive has been worth every penny.

[@pateallan7764]

Hows this CV joint working out for yall?

[@henrybelloso]

I wonder why not to use a transmission drive shaft coupling like automobiles have?

[@JoelWelter]

I wonder that, too. Maybe it has something to do with the prop shaft not being locked into a fixed distance like it is on a car.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I believed that is more or less how the aqua drive and python drive are designed, but they require a bulkhead for the thrust bearing. If you want to know more about the engineering, I would implore you to talk to the kind folks at Bruntons propellers.

[@henrybelloso]

Thanks, it will be instructive.

[@onepolarman]

I want 10, still think about buying a boat, just in case I need them. Diego & Amparo.

[@mshaw290808mi]

On the average front wheel drive car there are four CV joints. Each joint is bathed in grease and sealed to the environment with a high tech polymer boot. Automotive CV joints last 100,000's of thousands of miles and are exposed to extreme temperatures, environments and power variations. They cost about 50 dollars new! Why didn't Brunton adapt an automotive CV joint for marine use? An automotive joint properly modified for a boat would easily out last and out perform their sigma drive by a factor of 10. And maintenance would be zero.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

I always thought the same thing, and did a lot of research on how to fabricate something myself. I did find a few forerunners who did it, but the size of the units are massive, and by the end of it all they had almost the same amount of money invested and much more time. Now if you own a machine shop that may not be the case but for the rest of us it is.. Contact bruntons, if this is for a sailboat configuration i think the drive will last just as ling as the engine it is bolted to. Don't quote me on that but thats kinda how they explained it to me for sailboat applications.

[@marcrodriguez2884]

CV Joints on cars are not thrust bearings as well, right? Maybe that's also a part of the equation?

[@reneeversen]

New drinking game, 1 Shot for every time he says "Sigma Drive"

[@skipper99991]

good commercial

[@davelikesyou]

Why not use a universal joint , instead of that

[@guinneach]

Hope you got some payback from SigmaDrive because marine engineering companies aren’t exactly advertising during the Super Bowl....

[@user6619-k9t]

$500 to keep my a$$ outta the back of the engineroom is money well spent, me thinks!

[@SailingVesselPrism]

my thoughts exactly when I first ordered it. Make sure to get the right size drive for your engine output flange, I know they make an adapter for the sd55 to make if fit lager diameter flanges than 4''