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Launches, Yachts & Commercial

Client Comments


We have a Van De Staddt Pioneer 10 sloop built in 1979, and powered by a Norwegian Sabb 10HSP motor, with an uncommon feathering prop.

This summer after nearly 40 years of service the Main gearbox shaft decided it had had enough. As you can imagine finding parts for this engine, and then someone prepared to work on an unusual gearbox like this can be a challenge.

Luckily I was recommended James and Terry from Moon Engines, who were able to help, gave great advice about how to proceed, and completed the work in good time to a very high quality.

I really appreciated their pragmatic and honest approach to the work that was required, and their understanding of my need to get my boat running again without the costs getting out of control.

The gear shift is now the smoothest it’s ever been in the 25 years I’ve been sailing the boat, and we were very pleased to get it back in the water with the original motor and gearbox still installed.

Hopefully we’ll get another 40 years of service out of it now!

Ben Bell
Ben Bell
la Passat Coromandel Harbour


New Years day 2013 saw the final demise of the original 1987 38HP Thorneycroft diesel engine in my 43 foot Bruce Roberts ketch. In frustration, I contacted James Mobberley of Moon Engines Ltd; we discussed the various options available to me, but concluded with James’s recommendation i.e. to fit a new 54HP Yanmar motor and a new propeller etc to match the increase in horsepower this new engine would give.

The installation was done on time, within budget and with proper tidy-up.

There were, however, persistent vibration problems with the prop shaft and the new propeller itself. James confirmed that all the stated specifications had been met and sought second opinions from other Yanmar specialists with the same result. Nevertheless, he accepted, without question, that something was amiss and worked consistently and cheerfully to put it right.

It took numerous sea trials, several lift outs and many consultations before it was concluded that the new prop was cavitating. The keel on this ketch is hollow around the stern gland; it was flexing with the power of the new Yanmar, thus the vibration. James finally solved the problem primarily by re-fitting my old propeller (re-pitched) which, according to all calculations and specifications underpowered the Yanmar but which, in practice, solved the problems to my entire satisfaction. We lost ½ knot in speed.

While there was never any doubt that James Mobberley's installation met all the stated requirements and most of the second opinions of experts and the old hands, he worked on the problem until it was fixed, and at no extra cost.

I would be pleased to recommend him and his company for any work of a similar nature.

Alan Eversfield
Alan Eversfield