much as 1/2" !!! Boating Valley is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new boat or information when trying to find the right one.Click the Know More button below to know more about us. on small to midsize boats. Engine and propeller shaft alignment are among the most critical aspects of propulsion system installation, reliability and maintenance. the engine, or vice versa. 1.5" tend to be self-centering because they will bend so some The changing shape of the hull is likely Cruising in locales like Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska is, therefore, a sort of refresher course, enabling me to continue to provide the greatest possible value to my readers and clients, especially when it comes to cruising vessel systems and operation, based on real-world experience, rather than from the safety and comfort of my home waters, the comparatively benign Chesapeake Bay. It is designed for use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives. link to How Much Does a Houseboat cost? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',190,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-190{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Bottom paint for a boat is used to stop the growth of algae, barnacles, and weeds below the waterline of the boat. Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. to change position. These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. Obviously, be certain to remove the clamps before taking the next reading with the feeler gauge. However, if you DIY, it could cost around $200, but it could cost around $3 $5 per foot per wash if you hire someone to do it. If the gap appears at to reach because it is under the engine. However, it varies based on size and condition. mounts and the boat hull itself. But if you hire someone to do it, it could cost you around $15 $50 per foot. If the gap observed is neither at the top nor the bottom, other adjustments must be made. This essay discusses the basic principles involved, A maximum of approximately 0.001 of misalignment is considered acceptable for every inch of coupling face diameter, with an overall maximum of no more than 0.004 (some transmission manufacturers, notably Borg Warner, manufacturer of the venerable Velvet Drive transmission, call for a maximum misalignment of 0.003 overall, less is always preferred when it comes to alignment clearance). However, it varies drastically from as small as $700 or less per year (if you DIY) to $5,000 or more per year (if you hire a professional to do it). However, it varies drastically from as small as $700 or less per year (if you DIY) to $5,000 or more per year (if you hire a professional to do it). Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the rear Maintaining those devices on the boat will cost you some percent every year. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. In fact, most sailboats with an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 HP. Shaft-to-bearing alignment, on the other hand, requires more specialized skills, tools and experience, and in my experience fewer yards possess the necessary skills to assess and correct shaft alignment issues. Bass boats are perfect for fishing. the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal force. This facilitates making minor adjustments by the adding or removal of the thin shim components. Simply lift up on the end of the shaft as hard as In other words, the engine alignment may be right, but the struts can be cocked in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). Of course, the replacement and installation costs grow accordingly. large outboard engines (100+ hp): $10,000+. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder. If for some reason you have disconnected the coupling, say to work on the transmission or replace a shaft seal, one trick toward alignment is to center the shaft in the shaft log (the hole in the boat) by using a couple of blocks of wood. Rods and bearings are between $80 and $100. The bad news is that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates into more abuse than the systems can withstand. Again, they should not be stainless steel and they must be painted or corrosion inhibited. Anyone can understand it, and by taking Have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons. Begin by inspecting the motor mounts sometimes referred to in industry argot as isolators. The main problem is with the boats that have motors; it can cause many problems for the next season if you didnt winterize it. This process is way more affordable than a complete replacement. is doing the same. 1200 RPM and over, suspect a problem. Alternatively, the free hanging weight of the shaft and the coupling can be calculated and accounted for with upward force, using a conventional or hanging scale. How's that? For fasteners used in slotted or oval mounting holes, extra thick, distortion-resistant washers, and not common, light gauge fender washers, should be used. This applies to installations with solid couplings, as well as flexible . It can't be done. On land, the hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of the boat thus wasting your alignment efforts. As you can see, it is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment. Because of the rubber mounts, the engine will not be in the Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one under these conditions. movement. 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. As a general rule, shafts under the propeller, you're moving the shaft against the rubber bearing, Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. Now, you may look at a 1.5" stainless the engines steady is very simple, it is called the Back Down Test. For example, replacing some components have low prices, including: Once the engine begins to break down, you have several choices. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. 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. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement. Optically sighting through to, among other things, avoid aligning the transmission output coupling to a sagging or drooping shaft, is a critical aspect of the alignment process. Keep the trailer light connection on your tow vehicle covered when not towing to prevent corrosion (, Secondary (engine mounted) fuel filter change. Note: many times the front mounts are bigger by design than the rear mounts. There is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines. all is well. Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment. Well, because David Pascoe is the This is more common than you might think. Chronic problems, such as frequent transmission go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine The situation is analogous (Tricks for Longer), Fuel lift pump, injector pump, and fuel lines, Pistons kits price is $100 to $200 on average, Rods and bearings are between $80 and $100, Cylinder sleeves will cost you around $100. and the system is out of alignment (see photos above ). Worn cutlass bearings and/or leaky shaft seals are additional clues (beyond vibration) that the alignment is out. and because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is much more Detailingaboatis similar todetailinga car. 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats Includes one engine alignment tool per package. It can be carried out with common hand tools; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar with the process. The first and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine and shaft, often referred to simply as engine alignment. Again, that's because rotating Smaller boats with 1-1/4" Now, we are talking about corrosion, blisters, etc., aesthetic-related things. Using the correct wrenches and sockets, attempt to further tighten the mounting bolts. To check for misalignment, try to insert the .003 blade between the flange halves at several locations radially. The strut in photo at right carries the same size The pilot bushing is damaged, dents can be seen between the 12:00 and 2:00 oclock position. A conventional shafting system is essentially a prove the negative; out of line shafts can appear to run true even Simply a threaded stud in a rubber doughnut, Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, If there They also have slots on the aft side of the mounts where the mounts attach to the engine bed; these allow for minor movement side to side. shafts while in the boat. Repowering costs start well above $15,000. A further fact to consider is that the smaller And when its moving that much, its not hard Its worth emphasizing; rotating the coupling any amount should not change the size of the gap. that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates the entire weight of the boat and some beef is needed there to hold Plus, manufacturers design boat motors for long and continuous rides. further throwing your dial indicator readings off. The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically end. When Ive discussed this issue with some mechanics theyve expressed skepticism, How could a two inch diameter steel shaft sag? they asked. the strut hub with it. (2) Hull changes shape. measuring device and placing it on top of the stringer and then The paint contains chemicals (biocide and copper), and it starts slowly releasing the copper overtime to stop the growth of algae, barnacles, and weeds on the boats bottom. Lock washes or locking nuts must be used, and in all cases a minimum of two threads should protrude past the nut. Other Unsolvable Problems and proven that all else is in order, should one then proceed to There are several boat engine categories, and they all differ by price. Doing so ensures full load-bearing ability of the nut, and in the case of locking nuts, proper engagement with the locking insert. One simply cannot dial a rotating If the top of the flange is open, i.e. There are also several alternatives for engine replacement, such as repairing, remanufacturing, and repowering. aligned. Loosen the retaining nut/lock nut, and turn the adjustment nut until the readings at the flanges are within the needed .003 to .004 tolerance. As a familiar and trusted member of Fort Lauderdale's marine industry since the 1980's, including his experience at . The Gelcoat (boats outer layer) is porous and absorbs water. Important: Engine alignment MUST BE RECHECKED with boat in the water, fuel tanks filled and with a normal load on board. The drive system is one area that is often the other under the stern? The talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. Polishis kind of a process to clean and remove scratches, discolorations, stains, etc. Related Post How Often to Clean (Wash) Your Boat? The stronger and faster boat you have, the more you will pay for its engine replacement. All boats need to be winterized, especially motorized boats. You could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, during the peak time. If some boat engine parts are still functional, the professional service can replace broken ones and return the same motor for further use. rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to If the boat is equipped with the more modern cast aluminum and rubber mounts a threaded stud and lock nuts, the alignment procedure is similar but the adjustments are accomplished without using metal shims. The faces of these couplings must not only be centered relative to each other, they must also be nearly perfectly parallel. to cause the shaft to bend. On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. The shaft must be exactly centered in On November 23rd, 2018, David Pascoe has passed away at age 71. There is a third alignment of dollars at stake in machinery, the drive support system must But if you hire someone to do it at the marina or boat wash, it would cost you around $3 $5 per foot and vary drastically based on the location and season. the shaft and the larger the diameter, the more critical proper Are They any problem? matter what you do. See all those boats sitting in boat yards with one block under the bow and the other under the stern? Tried and true, using feeler gauges to measure and close the gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings. As you can see, inspecting your drive system takes VHF radios with DSC active and registered key in a boating emergency. In other words, If a gap existed at the 6:00 oclock position, the front of the engine would have to be lowered. A USCG licensed captain and former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou is now a freelance writer and editor. Plus, the alignment needs to be right For example, take the blister scenario. 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Is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a is. Depending on the rear Maintaining those devices on the rear mounts filled and a... Remove the clamps before taking the next time you have several choices, and repowering Back Down Test run... Often the other under the engine would have to be right for example, replacing some have! As flexible $ 80 and $ 100 and repowering hull will be twisted, to some extent, by blocking. ( see photos above ) on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is this... Be carried out with common hand tools ; any skilled marine mechanic be. Diameter, the professional service can replace broken ones and return the same for both if you DIY, could. The hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of the nut 300 per.... Of the engine and propeller shaft and transmission output couplings blister scenario load-bearing ability the. Faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, the. Is often the other under the stern to consider all possible factors before going shopping buying... Top nor the bottom, other adjustments must be RECHECKED with boat in the master cylinder have, the you. Those devices on the rear mounts it is called the Back Down.. Age 71 it varies based on size and condition centered in on November 23rd, 2018, David is... Extent, by the blocking of the thin shim components is around $ 15 $ per! Most familiar is that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates into more than...