Bruntons acquires the SigmaDrive

The transmission device for workboats serves as both an engine and shaft coupling and as a thrust bearing.

“It is the perfect complimentary piece of equipment for all our sailing and fixed bladed propellers,” said Adrian Miles, managing director, Bruntons.

SigmaDrive can cope with a four degree misalignment of the vessel’s shaft in all directions, eight degrees in total, which significantly reduces noise and vibrations.

“They are already highly regarded for their low noise and vibration characteristics and with SigmaDrive we will reduce those annoyances to negligible figures,” added Mr Miles.

The unit replaces the standard shaft coupling allowing fitting, without changes, to the vessel’s prop shaft, and once installed, it ensures seals and bearings are always aligned to reduce wear.

It is manufactured from a special bronze alloy, with no rubber bearings included in its construction, to ensure low maintenance and long-life service.

Bruntons says SigmaDrives give results with water jets and pod drives, as well as conventionally-driven vessels, and is the only equipment of its type which will work with V-drive gearboxes.