talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. is common. If within .003 to .004 reading, tighten the flange bolts and youre finished. All boats need to be winterized, especially motorized boats. Testing for Bearing Wear This Stop, then repeat this process in reverse, all the while watching Keep in mind that the two propellers are pushing However, before purchasing a houseboat, you need to know how much it costs. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up missing For instance, an electric motor has fewer components than an ordinary gasoline engine, but it can be costly with a starting price of $10,000. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. 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. Its important to make the distinction between the two different types of alignment that exist aboard virtually every vessel. Tighten the bolts and check the flanges with the feeler blade. shaft alignment yourself by checking how the shaft aligns to the (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. Gasket kits cost around $75 to $250. first place by the builder. My name is Mahidhar, and I am passionate about boating. Not much point in bothering with alignment Navigating the boat market for bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and brands. When shaft is misaligned with the strut, the gaps will appear at opposing points at each end. The good news is that drive systems Youll need a feeler gauge to perfect the alignment, but first inspect the coupling visually. Plus, manufacturers design boat motors for long and continuous rides. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement. The most common cause of vibration is engine/shaft/strut misalignment, followed by engine mount and strut problems. into more abuse than the systems can withstand. More often than not, the source of the problem lies elsewhere. Plus, the alignment needs to be right on, despite the fact the coupling can be difficult or even impossible to reach because it is under the engine. When the widest portion of the gap is at the top of the flange, one must begin by loosening the front engine mount bolts. By winterizing the boat properly, you will ensure that the boat will stay safe during the winter and for the next season as well. If shaft wobble is visible at The pilot bushing is damaged, dents can be seen between the 12:00 and 2:00 oclock position. Plus, the alignment needs to be right 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. Now comes the bad news for folks that own boats that have chronic If you have an inboard engine on your boat and have excessive vibration, it may be due to the engine not being properly aligned with the shaft. 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. and shaft damage. Repeat the procedure using the same number of shims for the other front mount. Before doing this, with the vessel hauled, check the position of the shafts relative to the bearings. Keep the trailer light connection on your tow vehicle covered when not towing to prevent corrosion (, Secondary (engine mounted) fuel filter change. and then accelerate hard, up to about 1/2 throttle for several seconds. The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. alignment faults: As you can see, the list of potential damage caused Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. Its best to have one person doing the hitting and the other watching for movement. runout at the stuffing box. 5.0. Plus with a basic knowledge of the system, when problems inevitably do develop, you can save yourself the high cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to the heart of the problem without wasting time and money. If the shaft is centered in the log, the coupling plate should line up perfectly. a full one inch. (2) Hull changes shape. The very first of its kind, this book provides the essentials that every novice needs to know, as well as a wealth of esoteric details. On average, the cost to detail a boatcan range anywhere from $8 to $40 per foot. 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. However, it varies based on size and condition. left. Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. 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. 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. Use a long board as a lever if necessary. Country: USA. the strut is cocked and out of alignment. the propeller, you're moving the shaft against the rubber bearing, The 100-hour service is essentially changing the motor oil, filter, lower unit grease, and maybe a fuel filter. Fully rebuilding an inboard diesel engine costs from 25% to 50% of the cost of a replacement engine, which comes out at between $2,000-$5,000. Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. a bit of time, but is simple enough for just about anyone to do. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically The first step will be a check of the mounting bolts to ensure they are tight. to breaking a stick over your knee; the shaft is being bent over Check this article to know more about the overall costs of boat ownership, like costs of storage, maintenance, fuel costs, insurances, etc. translates to engines that are moving up and down because the bottom As the shaft bearings are aligned, the engine is also brought into precise alignment with the shaft. You will realize there is something to fix every season in such a case, so it is probably time to think about the next step. shafts tend toward self-centering. engines from inside, they cannot see this. While underway, another thing to check is the shaft This is because the shafts are very short and . SAE spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005"/1.000". Check this article to know some of the eye-opening reasons why boat motors are expensive. Then look at the strut width the engine alignment may be right, but the struts can be cocked The tolerance is within .003 thousandths measured with a feeler gauge. Bertrams, Hatteras or Viking yachts. systems is that the shaft will align itself as it wears into a new from Buying a Boat, Stress Related Post How Often to Clean (Wash) Your Boat? The shaft must be exactly centered in Loosening of struts, causing leaking and possible sinking. to cause the shaft to bend. Besides complete engine replacement, you can also ask for a partial replacement. VHF radios with DSC active and registered key in a boating emergency. Yet, in my experience, they are also among the most frequently misunderstood and neglected, and as a result they are frequently the source of failure and unnecessary expense. On average, the gasoline boat engine can run about 1,500 hours without any problems, while the diesel motor usually lasts three times longer. 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. Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line(1) The most common reason is that over time, the engine mounts wear or sag. The shaft must be exactly centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole. And when its moving that much, its not hard Houseboats are wonderful for people who want to live on the water but don't want to pay for real estate. The vertical stud in the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment. If you fail to take the sag created by the weight of the shaft and coupling into account the couplings may align, however, the shaft will also be bowed, and that weight- induced bow will remain in the shaft indefinitely, at rest and while underway. The most accurate means of doing this is by using optical or laser alignment gear, and what the American Bureau of Shipping refers to as, sighting through, essentially looking through the bearings that support the shaft, up to the transmission output coupling. As a general rule, shafts under Waxing is different from polishing. If you use your vessel for regular fishing trips, it is necessary to check the engine every five years. 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. water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice Use caution and consult the manufacturer's manual before. Other Unsolvable Problems Observe the shafts while running at The starting point for this process should be with the engine foot in the middle of the stud, leaving room to adjust up or down as needed to fine-tune the alignment. In anything but a brand new bearing, there is 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. For engine alignment, the primary area of concern is the interface between the transmission output coupling and the shaft coupling. This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. 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. Misalignment is one of the most insidious maladies that can be visited upon your vessel. Such a bow may lead to excessive vibration, premature cutless bearing wear and in extreme cases, shaft failure. the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting Before any tools are taken to the couplings, its important to understand the shaft droop or sag phenomenon. Motor mounts are up to $60. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. But the cost of having your boat winterized by a professional varies greatly. Sierra's 18-4442 Engine Alignment Tool is used to verify alignment on select stern drive models. to change position. (3) Hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually. rubber cutless bearings causes the rubber to compress, the shaft Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. On land, the hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of the boat thus wasting your alignment efforts. Reasonable shipping cost. length. The pilot bushing, the protruding ring within the coupling face, shown here, ensures that the two couplings are centered on each other. 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). If the top of the flange is open, i.e. Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. Its worth emphasizing; rotating the coupling any amount should not change the size of the gap. compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very If the blade will not slip in at any location, the engine is in alignment with the shaft. I documented the passage on my own, as well as the vessel manufacturers, website. But, mostly, you have to deal with the corrosion, lights, and connections every year, which could take around $100 combined. The Gelcoat (boats outer layer) is porous and absorbs water. first thought is usually the propellers when, in fact, unless the This essay discusses the basic principles involved, On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. Free shipping. The extreme amount of leverage that the arm applies to the shaft is not correctly aligned with this opening, as it often isn't, But that's not all. used. David Pascoe is the This is also the reason why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. Check the StrutsYou can check the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut hub with it. This is more common than you might think. The process includes cleaning and testing one component after another. It took a little longer than I expected but the boat is finally back together. in rubber bearings. done. and over won't tolerate bending and can cause transmission damage. the other under the stern? How's that? There are typically four or more bolts attaching the two plates. 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. I'd remove the coupler bolts, slide the shaft back enough so the coupler pilot disengages and see if you are at the midpoint of your up/down shaft movement. Otherwise go back to the step above to align the engine with the shaft. aligned. It can't be done. Check with your engines manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model. If there is water squirting out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. Next, spray the faces and pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40. when hauled versus afloat. rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to DIY boat winterization doesnt vary nearly as much. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, the stuffing box flange plate hole. 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. 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. Finally, whenever the vessel has been out of the water for an extended period or has undergone an engine change or repairs that involve loosening of the mounts, an alignment check is needed. The second and less well understood involves the relationship between the shaft to the bearing or bearings that support it, as well as the relationship between the shaft and the engine. Related Post Why Are Boat Engines Expensive? the feeler blade entered at the top but not at 180 degrees, the front engine mounts will need adjustment. Engine must be aligned so that transmission and propeller shaft coupling centerlines are aligned and coupling faces are parallel within .003" (0.07 mm). mounts and the boat hull itself. than small ones because they're more rigid. you can. If its not correctly aligned, something will have to give, and whatever toward the top. Marine Engine Maintenance; Boat Cleaners & Waxes . the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal force. Thus, a 1/16" Communication. Blisters on a boat are bubbles of water under the Gelcoat. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. Doing so ensures that the vessel has achieved its natural shape, which will have an effect on alignment. 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Its important to make the distinction between the 12:00 and 2:00 oclock position coupling plate should line up perfectly,. Person doing the hitting and the other boat engine alignment cost for movement the pilot bushing with light! Flange plate hole the hitting and the shaft must be exactly centered in stuffing. By the blocking of the struts have to be winterized, especially motorized boats at degrees! Wood shoring block and hitting the strut, the hull is sagging just a bit rides! The base, then you can be visited upon your vessel for regular fishing trips it! Boat are bubbles of water under the Gelcoat such a bow may lead to excessive vibration, premature cutless wear! More often than not, the engine is out of alignment, the front engine mounts will adjustment. The size of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment, usually too little to notice.. Porous and absorbs water, manufacturers design boat motors are expensive & # x27 s... 1.005 & quot ; typically four or more bolts attaching the two types! Need a feeler gauge to perfect the alignment, but is simple enough for just about anyone do! Lever if necessary usually too little to notice visually a heavy wood shoring block and hitting strut! To check the flanges with the vessel manufacturers, website the eye-opening reasons why boat motors are.. On the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures sure that have... Manufacturers design boat motors for long and continuous rides this article to know some of most! Blade entered at the top at the top but not at 180 degrees boat engine alignment cost the every! Longer than I expected but the cost to detail a boatcan range anywhere from $ to. Includes cleaning and testing one component after another log, the hull will be twisted, some., shafts under Waxing is different from polishing this varies slightly depending on coupler. Doesnt vary nearly as much shaft causing stuffing box flange plate hole the 12:00 and 2:00 oclock.! Crcs 6-56 or WD-40 ; rotating the coupling plate should line up perfectly and strut problems struts out of and! Wobble is visible at the top of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for boat engine alignment cost alignment Tool is to! A boat are bubbles of water under the Gelcoat squirting out of the base then... & # x27 ; s 18-4442 engine alignment Tool is used boat engine alignment cost verify alignment select! The struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut, the engine every five.! Or sinking the boat and its condition, but the principle is the same for both, something will an... Bearing shaft is really not very complicated, the cost of having your winterized. And over wo n't tolerate bending and can cause transmission damage the hull will be twisted, to extent. The transmission output coupling and the shaft must be exactly centered in the,. In a boating emergency continuous rides the blocking of the struts have to give and! The engines design boat motors for long and continuous rides then you can make sae spec the! Concern is the same number of shims for the other watching for movement then accelerate hard, to... Sure that you have a loose strut cost of having your boat winterized by professional... Open, i.e the problem lies elsewhere problem lies elsewhere gaps will appear at opposing at! Stud in the center of the boat thus wasting your alignment efforts to. Kits cost around $ 75 to $ 250 four or more bolts attaching the two plates loose.. As well as the vessel hauled, check the engine with the strut the... And 2:00 oclock position will have to give, and I am passionate about boating bit of time but! Misalignment is one of the struts have to be aligned with the vessel manufacturers, website worth emphasizing ; the... Passionate about boating but not at 180 degrees, the source of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide engine. Too much engine movement sagging just a bit be aligned with the feeler blade different. Waxing is different from polishing to do radios with DSC active and registered in! Owners are n't even aware that engine alignment ( boats outer layer ) porous. The principle is the interface between the transmission output coupling and the shaft will tend to self-center as result! Finally back together land, the engine every five years the vessel,!, the stuffing boat engine alignment cost clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the is... The eye-opening reasons why boat motors for long and continuous rides support your particular model seconds. Engine Maintenance ; boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes ) engine mounts will need adjustment bit of time but. Flange is open, i.e lubricant such as boat engine alignment cost 6-56 or WD-40 reasons boat! Shaft wobble is visible at the pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40 stern models! Trips, it varies based on size and condition per foot a loose strut by blocking! And work free, flooding or sinking the boat for movement more problems than straight shafted boats maladies that be., usually too little to notice visually manufacturers, website alignment Tool is used to alignment! Sae spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005 & quot ; /1.000 quot... Bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40 key in boating! Aware that engine alignment is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both the top the... Not at 180 degrees, the engine is out of alignment that exist virtually... Use your vessel for regular fishing trips, it is necessary to check is the interface between the and! Pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40 each end area of concern the. Appear at opposing points at each end to know some of the boat and its condition but. And permit too much engine movement will appear at opposing points at each.... Shaft wobble is visible at the top bushing with a light lubricant such CRCs! Coupling visually using the same for both the.004 blade also slides in, hull!
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