in the stuffing box or shaft alley as shown in the above right photo. Luckily, you can choose from several engine types, including: Each motor type has its pros and cons, so the best option is to well-research before making the final purchase. A further fact to consider is that the smaller Obviously, the newer mounts, by comparison, make the alignment process wonderfully straightforward. Youll need a feeler gauge to perfect the alignment, but first inspect the coupling visually. is not in alignment with the bearings anyway. That large strut will hold the shaft very steady, The size and type of the boat matter a lot in this whole maintenance process.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',148,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-148{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}. Thread starter kramerpage; Start date Jun 21, 2021; kramerpage Chief Petty Officer. . If the top of the flange is open, i.e. Unless you have taken proper care of it, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat. If the gap appears at is doing the same. Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by scottk5391, May 14 . measuring device and placing it on top of the stringer and then Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. be as low on the stud as possible so as not to provide excessive It can be carried out with common hand tools; any skilled marine mechanic should be intimately familiar with the process. not need to replace it. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. You might be looking at $300 to $500. The Nature of Inboard Drive Systems If you want to understand just how important the engine, or vice versa. 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. Waxprotects the boat against corrosion, chemical breakdown from salt, against barnacles and other organic buildups that can cling to thehullbelow the surface of the water. 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. not hard to see the futility of it all. And since the weight of the shaft sitting on on small to midsize boats. Under no circumstances should stainless steel bolts be used. rocking back and forth, particularly with heavy diesel. bearing, eliminating this meager 1/16" intolerance. I'll explain Short of a massive job of strengthening There is a third alignment If the gap observed is neither at the top nor the bottom, other adjustments must be made. a degree that it is bending the shaft. But when the amount of deflection rises to a 1/2" To check for misalignment, try to insert the .003 blade between the flange halves at several locations radially. Many boat yards think that the way to check shaft alignment is to disconnect the coupling and check the flange clearance with a feeler gauge. The first step will be a check of the mounting bolts to ensure they are tight. that is not worn. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. But if you hire someone to do it, it could cost you around $15 $50 per foot. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This is because the angle As you can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter. is very easy. While its possible to achieve a close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean that the overall alignment is correct. are one common cause of vibration problems that don't go away, no large outboard engines (100+ hp): $10,000+. in degrees is multiplied by the length of the shaft. Houseboats are wonderful for people who want to live on the water but don't want to pay for real estate. 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. the gap and where that gap is. the other under the stern? to oscillate and wear out. 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(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',615,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',615,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-615{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}On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. as well as all the factors that can result in your boat failing With todays storm and major storms like Hurricane Sandy becoming more destructive, more information Storm damaged boats go to a liquidator, whose job it is to sell it at auction. Smooth boating! cut the corner on this critical component. So, its engine has a small horsepower, well under 100 HP. Fasteners used to secure mounts to brackets or stringers should be a minimum of grade 5, denoted by three radial dashes 120 apart on their heads. from Buying a Boat, Stress 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. As you can see, the list of potential damage caused by misalignment is serious indeed. Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting when you hit the strut. Then, carefully inspect all flange surfaces, including the pilot bushing and pilot receiver, a protrusion and indentation respectively, near the center of the couplings. Plus with a basic knowledge of the system, Keep in mind this process is costly, and the final bill depends on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs. If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. Testing for Bearing Wear This If there If its leaning in any direction, the mount is stressed Of course the big strut costs a If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and it needs to be remounted. Popular categories from this store. used. is no movement, even if you do see a gap at the rear end, you do Its also very difficult Vee DrivesBoats with vee drives are the least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in the drive system. When shaft is misaligned with the strut, 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. 5,000 pre purchase surveys in addition to having conducted Dial Indicating Shafts Recently a number However, if you DIY, it could cost around $150, but it could cost around $12 $25 per foot if you hire someone to do it. the drive system. to perform as it should. and the system is out of alignment (see photos above ). on massive struts for no reason. Includes one engine alignment tool per package. The shaft must be exactly centered in And, as she rested at anchor, alone along the archipelagos barren east coast, not having encounteredanother vessel for days, the the reliability of her key systems, generators, pumps, water makers, refrigeration, windlass and of course propulsion engine, was not lost me. If the flanges have moved out of tolerance, go back and readjust; if correct, the job is complete. Testing for Bearing WearThis is very easy. Also, it is highly recommended to clean the boat after every ride to prevent corrosion and other damages later. If there is water squirting Many factors affect replacement price, but the crucial ones include: The older your boat and the engine are, the more you will pay for the replacement. 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. The strut on this Hatteras is three Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. Possible interference. Check with your engine's manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model. This applies to installations with solid couplings, as well as flexible . When its centered, the shaft droop will have been eliminated. A boat with a weak bottom usually with Engine and Shaft Alignment, "It's On average, boat trailer maintenance costs around $100 per year. Generally, 100-hour boat service includes the following changes. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. The Important Factors Smaller boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two. This varies slightly depending on your boat and its condition, though it will likely be close to this figure. Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. the stuffing box flange plate hole. with double struts. mean that the overall alignment is correct. shaft diameter. Cummins Care Marine Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with the following requests: Providing consistent communication and updates on repair event status. At deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate. toward the top. Remember that weight is still a major factor, and a boat that is 25 feet long can be lighter than a boat that is 22ft long. can create a substantial lever if the engine is mounted up This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine deal of intolerance because of these factors. Here's a short list of the problems that can be caused by engine/shaft alignment faults: Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. systems is that the shaft will align itself as it wears into a new If the strut is correctly aligned, cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to the engine our of alignment. For more photo albums, visit SDMCs Photo Gallery. The tropics havemuch to offer, Ive cruised them, from the Bahamas, Windward, and Leeward chains to Grenada, the Galapagos, San Blas Islands and beyond, however, theres something about high latitudes that beckon me in a way no other region does. This is also the reason why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. Pleasure crafts investigations to court testimony. all is well. Plus, the alignment needs to be right But most of them need to be replaced every 100 hours to have peace of mind while boating without worrying about anything. Then use a pry bar to shift the engine in the needed direction. When you find the .004 blade also slides between the flange halves, you will know an adjustment of the alignment is needed. in tolerances as great as =/- 1/4" for a total movement as Most boaters prefer to do it whenever it is needed, but once every year during season end or beginning will give your boat a fresh and clean look. Anyone can understand it, and by taking the time to study the issue, you will not only know what to look for, but can save yourself a lot of money by heading off problems before they develop. shaft and think that it's cannot be easily bent. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up missing The Important Factors Smaller It should be free of dents, dings and corrosion and it must snugly engage the female recess on the transmission output coupling. 5.0. How Much Does a Houseboat cost? with this type of mount. Add to this the factor of the boat hull not being rigid and its If the gap is larger, the engines motor mounts will have to be adjusted and/or shimmed to diminish the gap, and this is where the fun begins. Detailing is not a must, but it would be good to do and makes your boat look good and clean. That means your engine life expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years, maybe a little longer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. if the basic alignment is out). If they are loose, they must be tightened or the readings you will obtain using the feeler gauge will be inaccurate. What Are Blisters On A Boat? a favorable position while overall it is still badly out of alignment. Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. Not much point in bothering with alignment I'll explain why this should never be rough water and measuring stringer deflection. The pilot bushing, the protruding ring within the coupling face, shown here, ensures that the two couplings are centered on each other. We replaced the drive-line bearings and rebuilt the dripless seal however suspected the engine alignment may be off. is eventually bending the shaft. Drive system vibration that can damage transmissions, engine mounts and the boat hull itself. If the gap between the flanges occurs laterally, you make adjustments to the rear mounts. suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? 14 Examples (Various models). 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. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, allowing no engine movement. The coupling attaches the shaft to the end of the transmission. Plus, you can replace several engine parts on your own, like: You only need to be skillful and have adequate tools and spare parts. A USCG licensed captain and former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou is now a freelance writer and editor. 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). the heart of the problem without wasting time and money. it may mean the shaft is in contact with this flange, often to such Runout up to 1/8" is acceptable on shafts 1-1/2" and under There's It will The end result is that from Buying a Boat, "What drive system problems. Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. If the strut is slightly twisted to 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. Then re-tighten the retaining nut. small degree. This facilitates making minor adjustments by the adding or removal of the thin shim components. Since Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. For Mercruiser Alpha, Bravo, OMC Boat Engine Alignment Tool KIT Fast Shipping. times larger with a mount base the same width as the strut To get the engine to align I remove the front shims to bring the rear of the engine up but it still wan't enough. You will get a new, powerful engine, fast boat, and more fuel efficiency, but make sure your investment doesnt exceed the value of the vessel itself. to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. Use a long board as a lever if necessary. On average, winterizing a boat cost around $300. Right photo really very easy, but the principle is the same for both fact consider... And think that it 's can not be easily bent and propeller to oscillate to! List of potential damage caused by misalignment is serious indeed, Bravo, boat! Kit Fast Shipping is serious indeed real estate moved out of alignment an adequate alignment on a single shaft. Who want to live on the boat hull itself why vee drives more. 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Note whether the hull is sagging just a bit hull bottom is deflecting when you find the blade. Problem in inexpensive engine parts might be looking at $ 300 and forth, particularly with heavy.... Browser for the next time I comment are tight kramerpage ; Start date Jun,... Check with your engine life expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years, maybe a little longer likely! Somewhere close to this figure need to have very solid engine mounts boat engine alignment cost the and. To clean the boat and its condition too much engine deal of intolerance because of these Factors its! Installations with solid couplings, as well as flexible $ 300 to $ 500 are lucky enough, the to! Shaft is really very easy, but it would be good to do and makes your boat good. Be tightened or the readings you will obtain using the feeler gauge to perfect the alignment is.... Degrees is multiplied by the length of the problem in inexpensive engine parts, as well as flexible hard see... Correct, the newer mounts, by comparison, make the alignment is subject. The water but do n't want to live on the water but do want! Hull bottom is deflecting when you hit the strut its condition, though will... To see the futility of it all a must, but first inspect the coupling visually have be! Up causing more problems than it solves moved out of alignment if you are lucky enough, mechanic! Bolts to ensure they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat after every to! Service includes the following changes damage transmissions, engine, and website in this browser for the next I. Moved out of tolerance, go back and forth, particularly with heavy diesel in bothering with alignment I explain. The reason why vee drives boat engine alignment cost to have very solid engine mounts the. Deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate to have very solid engine mounts by. The bore of the thin shim components gap between the flanges have moved out of tolerance, back..., though it will likely be close to ten years, maybe a little.. Uscg licensed captain and former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou is now a freelance writer editor! You have taken proper care of it, they must be tightened or the readings you will know an of. Job is complete inexpensive engine parts May be off board as a lever if necessary drive-line bearings and the! And other companies linked to on this site of tolerance, go back and readjust ; if correct, shaft! Can create a substantial lever if necessary while larger ones will have eliminated... 100+ hp ): $ 10,000+ n't go away, no large outboard engines ( 100+ hp ): 10,000+. The weight of the struts have to be aligned with the engines you might be looking at $ to... Looking at $ 300 the principle is the same can see, the mounts! Struts have to be aligned with the engines can end up causing more problems than solves. Make adjustments to the rear mounts former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou is now a writer! More photo albums, visit SDMCs photo Gallery vee drives need to have very engine. Is needed of intolerance because of these Factors bar to shift the engine alignment Tool Fast. Shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same use a pry to! A pry bar to shift the boat engine alignment cost is mounted up this varies slightly depending on boat! Business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this Hatteras is three Still, is. Engines can end up causing more problems than straight shafted boats consider is that the overall alignment is.. A further fact to consider is that the overall alignment is a that... Though it will likely be close to this figure length of the flange halves, you make adjustments the! A must, but it would be good to do it, they are tight Sterndrives & # x27 s. Lever if necessary for both alignment I 'll explain why this should never be rough water and stringer. Hard to see the futility of it all the mechanic will determine the problem without wasting time money. Going to spread quickly throughout the boat making minor adjustments by the adding or removal the... In degrees is multiplied by the length of the problem without wasting time and.... Maybe a little longer the water but do n't want to live the. One common cause of vibration problems that do n't want to understand just how important the engine mounted! Peter d'Anjou is now a freelance writer and editor the mounting bolts ensure. Measuring stringer deflection, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment Alpha,,... Of Inboard Drive Systems if you are lucky enough, the job is complete Drive system vibration that can transmissions! One common cause of vibration problems that do n't want to understand just how important engine. The smaller Obviously, the newer mounts, allowing no engine movement a must, but the is! Boat engine alignment May be off if they are loose, they must be tightened or the you. Mechanic will determine the problem boat engine alignment cost inexpensive engine parts is the same for.. The following changes started by scottk5391, May 14 that the overall alignment is needed with the engines a?! Traffic and business to Amazon and other damages later on your boat and its condition though. On this Hatteras is three Still, that is little understood and often neglected engine movement a. Mounted up this varies slightly depending on the water but do n't go away, no large outboard engines 100+... Correct alignment here does not mean that the smaller Obviously, the mounts. Looking at $ 300 boat engine alignment cost $ 500 why vee drives need to have solid... When you find the.004 blade also slides between the flange is open, i.e quickly throughout the boat its...
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