Is the SIGMADRIVE from Brutons worth the money?

I install and review the SIGMADRIVE from Brutons and give you my opinion of if its worth $650 or more. This is just my opinion on this product. Lets see how much hell I catch for this one...
/ svwildhare

[@rhirwin10]

Appreciate an honest and candid review that shares your experience. Much appreciated.

[@SVWildHare]

You betcha. I tell places that ask me to review things I will do an honest review. I’m sure a few of the have regretted it😁. Thanks for watching.

[@KingPropulsionLLC]

I too would like to thank you for the candid review of your experience. I'm the US distributor for Bruntons here in Virginia Beach and we sell and support SigmaDrive along with the props. At writing this we sell SigmaDrive for $575 with free shipping. We have all of the clamps, studs, pilots and parts on the shelf here and ship any method from First Class, Priority to Fedex. Sorry your experience was less than optimal. If you need parts in the future don't hesitate to reach out! I think your install was a fair review. Please note that the clamp system used to grip the shaft is used exclusively in the commercial world as keys put a point load on the shaft, the clamps give a full 360 grip. Granted the commercial boats use a hydraulic version. In the 10 years of SigmaDrive I have not seen or heard of the collar failing like you fear. Indeed one of the early challenges Bruntons faced was releasing the taper as the grip was so good! Please do report back as you use the unit. We have extensive research and in service data on the development of the units that does demonstrate a significant beneficial effect on the alignment, vibration, seals and transmission components in all quadrants. I hope you experience this as you use the unit! Thanks again for the review. Rod Sampson - King Propulsion

[@SVWildHare]

Thank you for comment on this review. I always appreciate anything constructive. I believe this would be a great product on a new or newer boat it was just not a value for the money on a 35 year old sailboat. A proper alignment would’ve been just fine but I tend to try and put the best things on here when getting into new projects. I also had to end up replacing the inner tensioning collar to the new style and they charged me full price plus shipping which was a little irritating. Everyone I’ve seen review them have been very pleased so maybe it’s just me. I also have concerns about the electrical conductivity that I have added by removing the plastic flex coupling and installing all metal. I guess we’ll see how that turns out. Thanks again.

[@MrJshsedgwick]

I love the more technical videos, not many sailing KZbin channels produce them but I love them. Great advice. Learn from others. In another life years ago I did millwright work aligning pumps and motors in refineries. I'd just align the engine to the shaft. Glad to see you make another video. Waiting for the next one :)

[@SVWildHare]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrJshsedgwick]

@@SVWildHare I love seeing what you are doing to the hare.

[@jamesharvey838]

Thank you for the observations...I was going to purchase one of these but now I will just reinstall the original coupling.

[@SVWildHare]

I just don’t think it’s worth the money.

[@allynonderdonk7577]

The Sigma Drive saved my buddy 25k in costs over three years for albeit a larger powered yacht....the horsepower was so high I guess that engine alignment became a real issue even if set properly every maintenance interval. I still plan on buying one for my sailboat as I just can't seem to line it up properly to save my life.

[@SVWildHare]

I spend hours every time I get in there and have to line her up. The problem with the Sigma Drive is it will only align it if it’s already centered. Think about it. Thanks for the comment and watching.

[@johnbozeman2682]

Thanks for the valuable information!

[@aserta]

Wait, 600 and there where chips inside the thread holes? Jeesh. Good install, and you're right on the money with your observations.

[@SVWildHare]

Thanks. No point in thinking its going to be a cure all just that's how they sell it. Cheers..

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

Is not full installed until you bleed. Blood, sweet and tears = the labour of love.

[@SVWildHare]

There is a rag in the background that has the blood and I can assure you in the decade that I owned that boat there was plenty of sweat and tears involved also. 😁

[@From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner]

@@SVWildHare I have seen it. I’m doing the same. I’m actually about to buy a sigmadrive. Because of lack of room to install a PSY “pss “ on a Ohlson 38.