Soba BabyNova 1000 washing machine problem

[tgr23]

This machine is on our new to us boat. It has drain problems. At first it would not cycle into the drain mode all the time. Now it goes into the mode but makes a growling sound and does not drain.

This is what I've done:
-replaced the drain pump, drain pump hose to the bottom of the drum, small hose that goes from this dran pump hose up to a connection on top of the unit, made sure all the drain lines are clear (including the thruhull). Unit will not drain to an empty buck right now.

Help!!

Thanks,
Travis

[sailormed]

Yours is installed on a boat and you are right this is a sailers forum. However I would try some RV or similar forums where you have probably more users of this model. Personally I have never seen a mention of this model on this forum.

[tgr23]

Just solved this problem. The machine is a 220 50hz and we were trying to run it on a 60hz line. The drain pump did not like that!

[GILow]

Originally Posted by tgr23

Just solved this problem. The machine is a 220 50hz and we were trying to run it on a 60hz line. The drain pump did not like that!

Good detective work.

You’ll find LOTS of discussions about the 50/60 Hz issue here on Cruisers Forum. There should be some helpful ideas specific to dealing with it on boats. Good luck, I have to admit, I found some of the issues pretty alarming, enough so I was very glad I’d never face the problem myself.

[tgr23]

I'll start looking into those threads! Thanks

[David B]

Originally Posted by tgr23

Just solved this problem. The machine is a 220 50hz and we were trying to run it on a 60hz line. The drain pump did not like that!

The Baby Nova's are great machines - glad you sorted the problem.

[conchaway]

Towing over the side for a while in a mesh bag has always worked for me.

[CdS2 Roland]

Hello,
We have a Babynova since 10 years.
We had that issue with 60Hz shore power in some countries (Panama, Cuba, Colombia). Need to run it with 220V/50Hz genset.

[NolaSailor]

anyone know where i can get parts for my Soba babynova washing machine in the USA?

[tgr23]

Not in the US but Andy is super helpful and quick to reply and ship!



Marinechandlery.com

A division of Storrar Marine Ltd.

181~183 Coast Road

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7RR

0191 266 1037

mailto:sales@marinechandlery.com

[NolaSailor]

tgr23
you are correct. Andy is super helpful and easily reachable.
part is on the way; fingers crossed

[Marc-Quantum]

Originally Posted by tgr23

Just solved this problem. The machine is a 220 50hz and we were trying to run it on a 60hz line. The drain pump did not like that!

I have just had the same problem. The drain pump only works if the provider frequency is 50Hz, which is fine when using my Victron inverter. However, when plugged to a dock in the rare countries where 220V/60Hz is provided, such as in French Polynesia where I am at the moment, the drain pump fails to work and a loud clicking sound can be heard. My solution was to disconnect power from the dock when running the washing machine.

[NolaSailor]

Our Soba BabyNova 1000 finally crapped out after many years, and i would love to get a new one here in the states.

I have contacted the very helpful Andy at Marine Chandlery for parts before, but he now knows no one in the states that sells them. I have also attempted to contact the manufacturer (according to Andy) in Austria, Eudora Soba Vertriebs GMBH, so far without success.

I seem to recall there was an outfit in Ft Lauderdale that catered to superyachts that someone pointed me to years ago.

Anyway...anyone have an idea who sells these units...or for that matter similar very small washing machines in the states?

many thanks,

[CdS2 Roland]

Good Morning and happy new year.
Our BabyNova 1000 stopped working after 15 years.
After searching a long time we decided to buy and let it ship to our location from england last June. Here is the company name :

TCS Chandlery Ltd
Foxton Road Grays Essex
RM20 4XX
TEL:- 01375 374702
Fax:- 01375 398181

Of course it was not cheap, but we got the washing machine tax free in 2 weeks, shipped by DHL from England to Tonga.

[NolaSailor]

CdS2 Roland,

Thanks so much for your reply. I contacted TCS Chandlery as you suggested. They can't help; they are going out of business. They suggested I contact Andy at IM Products (andys@improducts.co.uk).

Andy suggested that these units are not sold in the US because of the 220/235 voltage. His price is around £700, but shipping is approx £100 more than the cost of the unit. Choking on that for the moment.

I have also tried to reach Eudora GMBH, so far without success.

Still hacking around for a solution. I'll post again if anything turns up.

thanks again!