Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[lars strom]

OK Pilgrim, so I was 1% out, it's no secret Seven was up to its fetlocks in debt, had overspent to the tune of millions and was generally "up sh-t creek" with a product that looked good on paper, but was having problems with both engines and gearboxes! It's saving grace was the integral drive.
Volvo were always the smartest company in the marine business when it comes to inboards, personnel and innovations.
Different story with the outboard division-----so, what better way than to buy out a failing small company cobbling together the worlds biggest horse power label. Bingo! Volvo hit the jackpot----with 51% we can become the worlds largest outboard engine manufacturer at very little cost--------very smart move--------but you still have to prove the product to sell it-------and I figure that's some way off.
Now let's get real------Nortek probably take 500 of the 400 ros's for the Centre consoles each year---( (which alone is far more than the entire F1 race motors) I haven't heard of any gear case problems, but if you know of some I'll listen!
Total number of Sevens ever made I reckon, is less than three figures, with problems !
Shudder to think just how many 400R's been manufactured to date.
If the two pinion and shift box is the perfect solution-----why is it so problematic?
YOUR SERVE PILGRIM!

Jackie, I don’t understand why you have to trash talk Seven Marine.??
Must of the stuff you are writing is not correct.
Have you ever run a 627 HP Seven Marine outboard??

[lars strom]

A few of my own Seven Marine pictures.

[jackiewilson]

Lassie, I was not trashing seven marine------I went to Key West with my family last November and observed the number of occasions the hoods were taken off one particular boat equipped with four Seven engines.
I was there three days and each day work was being done on the motors.
I enquired from various people what the problem was? Of course nobody wanted to tell me, but of course there are always tales told at boat shows------I know this after exhibiting at boat shows myself for many years.
The boat did troll around the harbour slowly, but never did get up on plane. ,( in my presence),
Yes, it is only heresay that they are having gearcase problems, but by someone who is deeply involved in marine propulsion who I have a deep respect for.
Yes, I do know the company was started by four extremely talented ex-Mercury engineers who expanded quickly------it appears they had to borrow heavily .
Fortunately Volvo came along with a helping hand and a bunch of cash in exchange for a majority share of the company.
Now Lassie, not for one moment do I believe Volvo did this out of the goodness of their hearts, or because the ex Mercury employees were nice people--------as with most "predators " they were after something-----hunting !
I was told that the drive system inside the leg was subject to a number of patents and a very ingenious and interesting piece of kit-------true or false, I do not know, maybe you can confirm or deny it.
No, I have never owned a Seven------I'm afraid I'm just an armchair sailor these days. But I like to keep up to date with current happenings of interest.
really can't see why you get your knickers in a twist because I don't fall down on bended knee over everything you say Lassie.
Im one of those unfortunate individuals that have to spout off if I don't agree with something that is said------when it becomes a crime---I'll stop! But at the moment, we still have freedom of speech in my neck of the woods.

[lars strom]

HeeHee you are funny Jackie,
I was also in Key West for the Offshore race last year.
Did see plenty of Seven Marine engines on different boats running perfect.
All boats/engines sometimes need service and to base your opinion on one boat in Key West is funny in my opinion.
Seven Marine is displaying lots of engines at the Fort Lauderdale boat show right now.

PS..Some people put a car engine inside a race boat and call it an outboard..and Seven Marine install the car engine on a mid section outside the boat and call it an outboard.

Building a Seven Marine Outboard
We build a Seven Marine outboard to learn the secrets of big horsepower.
https://www.boatingmag.com/building-seven-marine-outboard

[jackiewilson]

Lassie, I saw just the one boat, told it the way it was-------how many engines have seven produced to date ?-----just askin --------popular consensus ( based purely on guesswork is under 100) . But I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
You were noticeable by your absence apparently at the old farts annual get together last night, especially since you live on the doorstep .
Mitigating circumstances stopped me from turning up------but I have ambition for next year.

[jackiewilson]

HeeHee you are funny Jackie,
I was also in Key West for the Offshore race last year.
Did see plenty of Seven Marine engines on different boats running perfect.
All boats/engines sometimes need service and to base your opinion on one boat in Key West is funny in my opinion.
Seven Marine is displaying lots of engines at the Fort Lauderdale boat show right now.

PS..Some people put a car engine inside a race boat and call it an outboard..and Seven Marine install the car engine on a mid section outside the boat and call it an outboard.

Building a Seven Marine Outboard
We build a Seven Marine outboard to learn the secrets of big horsepower.
https://www.boatingmag.com/building-seven-marine-outboard

Wonder what the difference in weight would be between my set up and the seven------Coventry Climax did the same thing in 1949--- I tried racing one but it was a tad heavier than the 45 Merc-------nothing's new Lassie

[lars strom]

Rich Luhrs know why I was not at the OFF meeting in Stuart yesterday.
Our close friend turned 60 and the party was planned long time ago.
We are also “homeless” for the moment and been so for two weeks.
Our home on wheels is in for a long service/ repair and we hopefully get it back this week.

[jackiewilson]

Hey, Johnno------is that something like you wanted , to hang the Rotory on?

[jackiewilson]

Rich Luhrs know why I was not at the OFF meeting in Stuart yesterday.
Our close friend turned 60 and the party was planned long time ago.
We are also “homeless” for the moment and been so for two weeks.
Our home on wheels is in for a long service/ repair and we hopefully get it back this week.

No problem lassie-----I wasn't even there, so it wasn't me that missed you!
All the old farts were there for TWO nights-----yes, it was a last minute call, but Charlie handled it well.

[jackiewilson]

Finally finished the wing made from a chunk of old oak!

[lars strom]

...Well..I was here a few days ago Jackie..

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...37#post2998237

[jackiewilson]

Feckin workshop looks like a boat graveyard-------got em coming out of my ears.

[FUJIMO]

Lars...For some reason, I really don't think the OFF GROUP would have minded seeing you, if you had simply loaded up the lot, and drove them over with you. Living in Port St. Lucie, you live close too. Must be a "Johnson" thing, lol.

[powerabout]

Mercury had a unique unit with three pinions, a shift mechanism and a gear reduction system!!!

and it could take how much power?

[powerabout]

Think you'll find that it's the F1 motor the 400R that's been axed Pilgrim------was always hard for Mercury to keep low number race motors in production-----always been a pain in the arse .to keep on making motors for enthusiastic racers who did nothing but moan.
Much as I love racing, I can understand the investors who are only interested in returns and profits putting the boot in to get rid of racing motors, but I still think that what we did, extreme testing of product did improve the breed.
First time I've heard anything about Verado shafts breaking-----it's obviously a fact----needs fixing pronto------there's far too many of them out there, so you can't hide the fact there's a problem. So, even Mercury are fallible.

not sure what the F1 400R is?
its the 200xs both ssm ( F2 engine) and ros and the
400ros 15" that are going end of life
both low volume engines
200xs would have a really good life but they are trying to sell it without warranty