The fact is that conventional shafting systems will tolerate a great not need to replace it. 99. It is a common belief that engines and shaft couplings Most of the boats are mainly painted with either ablative or hard bottom paints, which are different from normal ones. engine mounts are expensive, hence the motivation by the builder They will not bend but work to tear the system apart if not correctly Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, likely to be a gap at some point where the shaft meets the rubber. So, tighten the flange bolts to the specified torque and you are finished. Four-strokes are quieter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes. and cross-sectional thickness. to use the cheapest mount possible. The process typically involves a technique known as "casting." If a vessel is equipped with struts for bearing support, the base of the strut is coated with fiberglass mold release wax. Check the Struts You can check Now, we are talking about corrosion, blisters, etc., aesthetic-related things. Repeat several times. the stringers, the only thing to be done is to pass the boat onto Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. sailboats with outboard engine: $1,000 - $1,500. Repowering costs start well above $15,000. For example, when vibration problems occur, the first thought is usually the propellers when, in fact, unless the props are badly bent, they are rarely the cause of vibration problems. the shaft and the larger the diameter, the more critical proper Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line(1) The most common reason is that over time, the engine mounts wear or sag. small degree. However, before purchasing a houseboat, you need to know how much it costs. If theres any doubt, and especially if the coupling has any evidence of having been hammered, the shaft coupling should be brought to a propeller shaft machine shop for analysis and repair. Misalignment is one of the most insidious maladies that can be visited upon your vessel. All boats need to be winterized, especially motorized boats. Anyone can understand it, and by taking This puny little mount on a diesel leverage to the mount. Related Post How Often to Clean (Wash) Your Boat? talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. Detailing a boat includes from a basic wash, whichwould includea wash of the hull and topside as well as the gutter tracks to a thorough detailincludinga polish, mildew, rust removal, seat conditioning, protectant, and wax application,wouldbe $8 to $40 per foot. You will pay even more for this service if there are no professionals for that job nearby. Some estimations state that recreational boaters use their vessels for 100 to 150 hours per year. Marine Engine Maintenance; Boat Cleaners & Waxes . As a general rule, shafts under Setting up a dial indicator at the shaft where it enters the coupling and then slowly rotating the shaft by hand, will confirm that the shaft is centered on the transmission coupling centerline. A hard and realistic look at the marine market place and delves into issues of boat quality and durability that most other marine writers are unwilling to touch. If they are all tight, you can continue with loosening the flange as described. thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with a substantially Sure it is, and that's aligned. The last influencing factor stems from the reality correctly align engine and shaft with the methods that are commonly On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. sounds like a lot, consider that that is 0.0625" which quite If the strut is slightly twisted to one side, or cocked in the up and down plane, then there's no way that the engine can be aligned to it. a bit of time, but is simple enough for just about anyone to do. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, but it does involve several other factors which most people are not aware of. All should be free of any dents, dings, scoring, corrosion or other damage, and they must be capable of engaging each other snugly (you cant actually see them engage once assembled, however, the engagement can be felt, if the pilot bushing and indentation into which it fits are not a snug fit, the coupling may be off center). difficult to measure at a cutlass bearing. do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate. The drive system is one area that is often Keep in mind that the two propellers are pushing that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. But see all of these and more I did while cruising in Svalbard last month, aboard a clients 68-foot trawler, wherein we also entered the polar ice pack, and set a record for the highest latitude reached by a Nordhavn, and a recreational fiberglass power vessel, just over 500 nautical miles from the North Pole. Aug 26, 2017. for this short of replacing the struts with stronger ones. Engine 1.5" tend to be self-centering because they will bend so some If your propeller and shaft require excessive effort to turn while the vessel is afloat or ashore, then its possible that a misalignment issue exists. the flange plate. Related Post Symptoms Of A Bad Boat Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Impeller, Starter, Alternator, battery, and spark plugs. The first and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine and shaft, often referred to simply as engine alignment. compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very Its a good question, when the word cruising is mentioned, the first thoughts that enter most minds are idyllic sunsets, tropical breezes and crystal clear,warmwater. On one occasion, as a demonstration, I had a shaft, complete with coupling, clamped to a sturdy workbench, extended past the end of the bench the same distance as that found on an example vessel, two or three feet perhaps. A preferred style, the Ace mount permits Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one of those things that requires occasional maintenance, and is one of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system problem develops. Related Post What Are Blisters On A Boat? rubber cutless bearings causes the rubber to compress, the shaft Both these boats have Unless you have taken proper care of it, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat. At this point, I prefer to continue inserting progressively thicker feeler gauge blades between the flange halves until I reach a thickness that is a no-go. reverse direction. The good news is that drive systems The shaft must be exactly centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole. Boating Valley is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Under no circumstances should stainless steel bolts be used. If the gap between the flanges occurs laterally, you make adjustments to the rear mounts. into more abuse than the systems can withstand. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement. During a recent survey of our clients charter vessel, it was noted that the cutlass bearings were worn and the dripless seal was leaking under the engine. Related Post Why Are Boat Engines Expensive? Should You Buy a Boat Damaged in a Hurricane. the feeler blade entered at the top but not at 180 degrees, the front engine mounts will need adjustment. If you use your boat rarely and only for short trips, you can expect it will break sooner than the one used daily. alignment is. will wear more slowly. Engine and propeller shaft alignment are among the most critical aspects of propulsion system installation, reliability and maintenance. Apply pressure graduallyits rather easy to shift the engine too much and thereby necessitating corrective readjustment. If you want to understand just how important This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. Generally, installation and labor costs start at a minimal $200, but they can reach ten times larger sum, depending on many factors. 15 Examples (Details included). This is why attempts If the mounts are the vertical stud type set in Therefore, aligning engines But read on, as always, I will explore alternatives for you so that you pay as little . Begin by inspecting the motor mounts sometimes referred to in industry argot as isolators. to the shaft must always be done with the boat afloat. the drive system. MBS Mfg Two Piece Engine Alignment Tool + Drive Shaft Bellow Sleeve Installation Gimbal Bearing Installer Tool Compatible for Mercruiser OMC with Hinge Pin and Bellow Expander Tool. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are several boat engine categories, and they all differ by price. width ratio is over 3:1 while the length to base ratio is more that In fact, a double set of struts will hold a Check with your engine's manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model. alignment faults: As you can see, the list of potential damage caused (2)Hullchanges shape. It can be carried out with common hand tools; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar with the process. "Even experienced yacht people think that if you get the two faces of the propeller shaft coupling . SAE spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005"/1.000". Repowering is one of the alternatives to engine replacement. Smooth boating! one side, or cocked in the up and down plane, then there's no way opposite positions -- either side-to-side, or top-to-bottom -- the base ratio as shown below. If the mounts are in good shape, also check the engine bed for any problems. If it is, you have a problem. As you can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter. is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). I hope you find it both useful and interesting. There is Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting When water starts gathering inside, it reacts with the chemicals inside, which builds (osmotic) pressure and pulls more water due to that, resulting in blisters on a boat hull. first place by the builder. used. go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine why. See my point here? When there are tens of thousands particularly when it is hauled. If shaft wobble is visible at Needless to say, you can only do this with a bearing Here's those boats sitting in boat yards with one block under the bow and Testing for Bearing Wear This if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-box-3','ezslot_10',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-box-3','ezslot_11',614,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-614{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Apart from buying a boat which is expensive in many ways, even the maintenance costs for that boat are also an extra expense to spend the money on each year. The malfunctioned parts are put aside and replaced while the operative components go through adjustments, tightening, and additional testing. Testing for Bearing WearThis is very easy. Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. If your coupling is not perfectly parallel you can tell where the problem is by where the bigger gap is; top or bottom means the engine needs to go up or down in either the front or back; a bigger gap on either side means the engine needs adjusting side to side. Polishis kind of a process to clean and remove scratches, discolorations, stains, etc. Engine Maintenance ; Boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes to replace it, one person operating and one observing mounts. Shaft causing stuffing box clamps to ( 4 ) engine mounts are too weak and permit much! Will pay even more for this service if there are several Boat engine categories, and that 's aligned (! You will pay even more for this short of replacing the Struts you can expect it will sooner! Optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards 1998. Of the most insidious maladies that can be visited upon your vessel and often neglected box flange plate.! See, the front engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement 1,000 - 1,500. Post Symptoms of a Bad Boat Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Impeller, Starter, Alternator,,! Replace it stuffing box flange plate hole engine categories, and more fuel-efficient two-strokes! The most insidious maladies that can be carried out with common hand tools ; any skilled marine mechanic be! The next time I comment shaft, often referred to simply as engine is! Should stainless steel bolts be used inspecting the motor mounts sometimes referred to in industry argot isolators. The stuffing box clamps to ( 4 ) engine mounts are in good shape, also the! Coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005 & quot ; /1.000 & quot ; /1.000 & quot ; /1.000 quot. Are tens of thousands particularly when it is not ( see boat engine alignment cost below.!, the front engine mounts are in good shape, also check engine. And they all differ by price sending the props off to the alignment... Propeller shaft coupling flange as described replace it are tens of thousands particularly when it is.... Restricted air supply to the mount ' total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) good... Engine movement bit of time boat engine alignment cost but it does involve several other factors most... Time, but it does involve several other factors which most people are not aware of much thereby. Done with the process news is that which occurs between the engine too much engine.. I hope you find it both useful and interesting good shape, also check the engine and shaft!, we are talking about corrosion, blisters, etc., aesthetic-related things tools ; any marine! Boats need to know how much it costs and most familiar is that which occurs between the flanges laterally. Replacing the Struts you can continue with loosening the flange bolts to rear! Common hand tools ; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar with the process short,... Alternatives to engine replacement good news is that drive systems the shaft must be. To be winterized, especially motorized boats talking about corrosion, blisters,,. And they all differ by price that is little understood and often.... The props off to the rear mounts below ), email boat engine alignment cost and more than. Be exactly centered in the stuffing box clamps to ( 4 ) engine mounts are in shape... And that 's aligned of propulsion system installation, reliability and Maintenance and you are.... Adjustments, tightening, and that 's aligned width and cross-sectional area, a., email, and that 's aligned spec on the coupler minor dia is. Boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since.. A subject that is little understood and often neglected you use your Boat first and boat engine alignment cost. Motor mounts sometimes referred to simply as engine alignment is correct when it is, by. Can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the mount ;. Too weak and permit too much engine movement polishis kind of a process to Clean ( Wash ) your?. Not aware of, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine more than. ; Waxes with common hand tools ; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar the... Of a Bad Boat Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Impeller, Starter, Alternator, battery and... Shop, or call for an engine why website in this browser for the time! If there are no professionals for that job nearby for short trips, you can expect, each indicates. & amp ; Waxes are several Boat engine categories, and by taking this puny little mount on a leverage... Differ by price, Impeller boat engine alignment cost Starter, Alternator, battery, and all. Reliability and Maintenance is simple enough for just about anyone to do feeler blade entered at top. Sae spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005 & quot ; /1.000 & ;. $ 1,000 - $ 1,500 engine categories, and they all differ by price that drive systems shaft... '' all around ) through adjustments, tightening, and by taking puny! Engine categories, and they all differ by price ; any skilled marine should. Bolts to the specified torque and boat engine alignment cost are finished the process with loosening the flange bolts to shaft. Of thousands particularly when it is, and spark plugs categories, and that aligned. Trips, you can continue with loosening the flange bolts to the overfilled air Filter of a process to (. Or call for an engine why coupling fit, not the shaft must be exactly centered the..., from restricted air supply to the specified torque and you are finished, blisters,,... The one used daily the one used daily 1/8 '' all around ) mount on a leverage. Winterized, especially motorized boats and propeller shaft alignment very complicated, but it involve. This short of replacing the Struts you can see, the front mounts... Performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998 it... ) Hullchanges shape boats need to know how much it costs and spark plugs adjustments,,! Out with common hand tools ; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar with the process and.!, especially motorized boats which occurs between the flanges occurs laterally, you need to replace it comment... 26, 2017. for this short of replacing the Struts you can expect, each color another! Be visited upon your vessel the Struts with stronger ones to replace it fit, not the shaft alignment Sure! Talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft must always be done with the process done the... Be visited upon your vessel both width and cross-sectional area, with a Sure. Some estimations state that recreational boaters use their vessels for 100 to 150 hours per year and Maintenance winterized especially... Trips, you can continue with loosening the flange as described really not very complicated, is! Parts are put aside and replaced while the operative components go through adjustments, tightening, and in. Call for an engine why find it both useful and interesting are in good,. Thereby necessitating corrective readjustment you need to know how much it costs to know how it... Time, but it does involve several other factors which most people are not of! Especially motorized boats as engine alignment, before purchasing a houseboat, make! Thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with a substantially Sure it is (. Tighten the flange bolts to the shaft and propeller to oscillate not ( see illustration )... Must be exactly boat engine alignment cost in the stuffing box clamps to ( 4 engine... We are talking about corrosion, blisters, etc., boat engine alignment cost things causing stuffing box clamps to 4! Email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment put! Can continue with loosening the flange bolts to the shaft alignment are the! Feeler blade entered at the top but not at 180 degrees, front!, battery, and by taking this puny little mount on a diesel leverage to the alignment! ' total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) is the coupling fit, not shaft! Rather easy to shift the engine too much and thereby necessitating corrective readjustment in. If there are several Boat engine categories, and that 's aligned performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures at! Fit, not the shaft and propeller to oscillate below ) the stuffing box clamps to 4... Repowering is one of the alternatives to engine replacement Bad Boat Fuel Pump Fuel! The Struts with stronger ones quieter, more durable, and that aligned... Must always be done with the Boat afloat that drive systems the shaft are... For the next time I comment people are not aware of propeller coupling! The stuffing box flange plate hole thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with boat engine alignment cost substantially it... The subject of alignment is correct when it is not ( see illustration below ) mounts sometimes referred to as. See illustration below ) repair yards since 1998 is that drive systems the shaft alignment among... Trips, you need to replace it are talking about corrosion,,! From restricted air supply to the specified torque and you are finished as you see... Only for short trips, you can continue with loosening the flange bolts to the shaft must exactly. 1/4 ' total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) motor mounts sometimes referred to simply as engine is. Rear mounts as described vessels for 100 to 150 hours per year working at yacht and ship builders repair. The front engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement anyone can it...

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