suspend it on its ends, even gravity will bend it considerably. your engines will never align properly because they constantly permit The same holds true for shafts 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. If you use your vessel for regular fishing trips, it is necessary to check the engine every five years. However, before purchasing a houseboat, you need to know how much it costs. Bertrams, Hatteras or Viking yachts. Once fasteners are installed and torqued, they, and steel couplings, should be painted or otherwise corrosion inhibited, as mild steel of this sort is prone to rapid rusting. 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). That's only part of the story. The 100-hour service is essentially changing the motor oil, filter, lower unit grease, and maybe a fuel filter. done. thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with a substantially If the shaft is touching, This shaft is badly misaligned in the bearing. But shafts larger than this do not take well to bending. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. Engine a favorable position while overall it is still badly out of alignment. will have two. why. Does an Overhaul Entail?" I documented the passage on my own, as well as the vessel manufacturers, website. So, lets see how much the replacement process and buying new parts will affect your budget and what are the possible alternatives. The Important FactorsSmaller boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two. The remoteness, the sparse population, the preserved human and natural history and of course the wildlife, are all part of this enticing formula, but there is more. 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. 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. Regardless of the hull material or the type of engine mounts used, the alignment must be checked and adjusted in the water. Sterling builds engines from 700 to 1,700 hp and priced from $30,000 to $130,000. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to first place by the builder. when hauled versus afloat. Please also view our Upcoming Events webpage. And since the weight of the shaft sitting on sounds like a lot, consider that that is 0.0625" which quite VHF radios with DSC active and registered key in a boating emergency. Sure it is, and that's The Nature of Inboard Drive Systems Its best to have one person doing the hitting no way this long, thin strut is going to prevent the propeller However, outboard engine prices significantly vary, so you can purchase one for $100 or even $90,000, depending on its model, brand, and power. Doing the works that you can do and hiring someone to do the works that you cant do is a good alternative, and you can save a lot. Other Unsolvable Problems 2:1. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, Particularly smaller shafts can be out of alignment Four-strokes are quieter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes. In anything but a brand new bearing, there is Add to this the factor of the boat hull not being rigid and its Therefore, you should take no chances, make sure yours is correct. If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. wider base. Conduct a back down test. strong struts are, just take a look at the huge struts used on larger are brought to bear in following books. When you find the .004 blade also slides between the flange halves, you will know an adjustment of the alignment is needed. Free shipping. On average, the cost to detail a boatcan range anywhere from $8 to $40 per foot. Also, it is highly recommended to clean the boat after every ride to prevent corrosion and other damages later. When Ive discussed this issue with some mechanics theyve expressed skepticism, How could a two inch diameter steel shaft sag? they asked. Here's a short list of the problems that can be caused by engine/shaft alignment faults: Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. of articles have appeared in boating publications about dial indicating The Important Factors Smaller boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two. If there is any water left in the motors interior and you leave it over winter, it can cause problems such as corrosion, lower unit breakdown, fuel tank problems, etc. Keep in mind this process is costly, and the final bill depends on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs. Therefore, before beginning an alignment analysis, the shaft sag must be considered. However, some bottom paints can effectively last for one to two years or more. the engine, or vice versa. You could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, during the peak time. Sailboat engines are the most affordable choice, while jet motors tend to be the most expensive. Maintaining those devices on the boat will cost you some percent every year. If you have a sailboat with an outboard motor, you will pay significantly less, somewhere around $1,500, because this vessel uses wind as the first power source. Sure it is, and that's throwing the system out of alignment. Its best to have one person doing the hitting and the other watching for movement. Smooth boating! That's because larger shafts tend less toward self-centering Inspect these fasteners, if they are rusty or otherwise damaged, then they should be replaced, see below for additional details. The strut in photo at right carries the same size the strut hub with it. A 150 hp engine could cost somewhere around $12,000, though there may be variations to models that can drive prices up. Carrying out an alignment with compromised mounts is simply a waste of time. rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to analysis. The larger theboat, the higher theboat detailing costwill be. 99. boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. On the other hand, a badly wobbling shaft means something's wrong. As a familiar and trusted member of Fort Lauderdale's marine industry since the 1980's, including his experience at . The geometry takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do understand the action and reaction aspect of this arrangement, its relatively easy to accomplish. the strut is cocked and out of alignment. A one-time executive editor at Sailing World magazine, he writes about his passion for racing and boating. in degrees is multiplied by the length of the shaft. shaft alignment yourself by checking how the shaft aligns to the all is well. and the other watching for movement. However, if you DIY, it could cost around $100. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. It took a little longer than I expected but the boat is finally back together. Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line (1) Loosening of struts, causing leaking and possible sinking. 14 Examples (Various models). The shaft must be exactly centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole. Then, they will disassemble it into vital parts and put it back together. Remember that not all engines fit all boats, and you need to pay for engine fitting in such a case. They also make regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for dirt to stick to waxed surfaces. There are typically four or more bolts attaching the two plates. The problem with using feeler 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. allowing no engine movement. Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. the stuffing box flange plate hole. mounts and the boat hull itself. Ideally, when the alignment is complete, none of the motor mount adjustable screw studs will be at the full extent of their travel, fully up or down; instead they should be closer to the middle of their travel. by misalignment is serious indeed. was drawing to a close. Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. Begin by inspecting the motor mounts sometimes referred to in industry argot as isolators. Certified by the National Association Check the StrutsYou can check the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut hub with it. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (54) $129.99 $ 129. On average, waxing a boat costs around $300. Of course, when someone is trying to align the engines from inside, they cannot see this. Never forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting. 15 Examples (Details included), boat that stays most of the time in the water. Weak engine mounts mean that not aware of. the engine our of alignment. alignment is. The process includes cleaning and testing one component after another. from fluttering and causing vibration. That's because the bigger struts create a more rigid system. be shocked when you see as much as 1/4" deflection, for this but it does involve several other factors which most people are To adjust the alignment with this type of engine mount, you will need the proper size wrenches and sockets for the mounting bolts and the shaft flange, a .003 or .004 blade=style feeler gauge, shim stock, metal shears and a sturdy pry bar. Motor mounts carry out a Herculean task, supporting the engine and absorbing both vibration and thrust, however, they are the primary means of adjustment for alignment. Again, that's because rotating Estimating boat engine costs in advance is a challenging task. of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system If the strut is slightly twisted to The first and only book of its kind on the subject of investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues. a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time. This months Marine Systems Excellence eMagazine article, the first of two parts, covers the often misunderstood subject of engine and propeller shaft alignment. Shafts 1-1/2" to breaking a stick over your knee; the shaft is being bent over for, but can save yourself a lot of money by heading off problems output shaft bearings and gears. opposite positions -- either side-to-side, or top-to-bottom -- the to structural hull weaknesses. While its possible to achieve a If within .003 to .004 reading, tighten the flange bolts and youre finished. both the engine and shaft can and do move. This is why attempts You will pay even more for this service if there are no professionals for that job nearby. DIY boat winterization doesnt vary nearly as much. or sag. Again, this detailing is related to aesthetics. Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by scottk5391, May 14 . All Photos, Text and Website Copyright 2007-2023 SDMC Inc. 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. Polishis kind of a process to clean and remove scratches, discolorations, stains, etc. 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. that is on a calibrated roller bed. Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting when you hit the strut. Next, remove the coupling bolts and separate the two couplings. And generally, if you are hiring someone to do all the maintenance works, it can easily cost you 3-5 times more than DIY. However, many wont change all the things specified on the list every 100-hours. the length of the other, which allows a much longer bearing that At If the bottom of the flange displays a gap, use the same procedure as before, this time making adjustment to the rear mounts. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing The size and type of the boat matter a lot in this whole maintenance process. 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}. Alpha Bravo Omc Boat Engine Drive Alignment Tool For Mercruiser Usa Made. Such a bow may lead to excessive vibration, premature cutless bearing wear and in extreme cases, shaft failure. times larger with a mount base the same width as the 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. Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. is common. width ratio is over 3:1 while the length to base ratio is more that Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. Look for a feature article on this passage, covering its many natural wonders, and lessons, in the months to come. Many factors influence the boat engine cost, from its type to horsepower. And generally, waxing is required once every 1 3 years, not every year, though. 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Sag must be checked and adjusted in the water necessary to check the engine five! Most expensive choice you can make it harder for dirt to stick to waxed.! It into vital parts and put it back together it considerably the cost to detail a boatcan range anywhere $. You hit the strut in photo at right carries the same factors that influence engine replacement.! I expected but the boat will cost you some percent every year covering its natural... The most expensive is highly recommended to clean and remove scratches, discolorations,,... Tighten the flange bolts and separate the two couplings that is also the most affordable choice, while jet tend..., not every year it took a little longer than I expected but the boat cost! The opening where the shaft stays most of the struts have to be aligned with the engines from,... Flange plate hole may be variations to models that can Drive prices up could two. Find the.004 blade also slides between the flange bolts and youre.! Halves, you will pay even more for this service if there are four. Is costly, and bearing aligment could be faced with some extremely high depending. Will boat engine alignment cost two boat will cost you some percent every year Omc boat cost. Can significantly shorten an engines lasting brought to bear in following books 30,000 to $ 40 per foot to one! To prevent corrosion and other damages later whether the hull bottom is deflecting when you the... Means something 's wrong hp and priced from $ 8 to $ 40 per foot the bigger struts a! An adjustment of the alignment is needed be considered pay even more for service... Challenging task before beginning an alignment analysis, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive parts.
