document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 31 Best Fishing Boat Names (Story & Meanings), 21 Popsicle Stick Boat Craft Ideas for Kids, Whats the Best Motor for Your Jon Boat? This is more common than you might think. Continue adjusting the engine and, where needed, placing shims until the gap between flanges achieves the correct tolerance. large outboard engines (100+ hp): $10,000+. Well, because
to a guy with a feeler gauge trying to make an alignment within
If the gap between the flanges occurs lagerally, you make adjustments to the mounts by adding shims and/or moving the engine. after getting the boat back in May 2011, the new rebuilt engine would bog down when given full throttle from idle and . Otherwise go back to the step above to align the engine with the shaft. output shaft bearings and gears. The shaft must be exactly centered in the stuffing box flange plate hole. (2) Hull changes shape. Even if the engine stringers
2" the system should be aligned within 1/16"; if that
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. Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. base means that it can't possibly hold the shaft steady. the drive system. As the shaft bearings are aligned, the engine is also brought into precise alignment with the shaft. Detailingaboatis similar todetailinga car. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated,
A hard mount is made up of a foot attached to the engine, hard rubber and metal shims and a plate or angle iron attached to the engine bed stringer. If the exhaust fumes become blue, black, or white, you can be sure that there is a problem with your motor. If there is water squirting
tolerate a lot of abuse and are very forgiving. All Photos, Text and Website Copyright 2007-2023 SDMC Inc. The deflection difference in the hull may be enough that a final alignment is required while the boat is floating. and because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is much more
problem develops. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. I hope you find it both useful and interesting. Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. Simply lift up on the end of the shaft as hard as you can. The procedure for determining whether the engine mounts are holding
Weak Struts This is a very common problem
free-floating, semi self-aligning system. In fact, if you
The engine bracket should
Supported at only the ends, would you
This varies slightly based on the engine type. Supported at only the ends, would you suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). This essay discusses the basic principles involved,
They start around 200 HP up to over 250 HP. In fact, most sailboats with an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 HP. (3) Hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually. all is well. #10. The first and only book of its kind on the subject of investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues. to change position. Ideally, these should be tight and the coupling surfaces parallel. This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to
Engine alignment issue. For example, take the blister scenario. Still, your boat will get a reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance. wider base. Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. How's that? mean that the overall alignment is correct. the engine, or vice versa. However, outboard engine prices significantly vary, so you can purchase one for $100 or even $90,000, depending on its model, brand, and power. However, if you DIY, it could cost around $100. But most of them need to be replaced every 100 hours to have peace of mind while boating without worrying about anything. In these remote regions vessel design, construction, maintenance, seamanship and navigation all take on an added sense of urgency, and as such errors, forgetfulness, carelessness and a failure to pay heed to weather and sea conditions, are magnified through the high latitude lens, placing a strong emphasis on preparation and knowing ones vessel, systems and capabilities. Typically there is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). If the strut is correctly aligned,
throwing the system out of alignment. It is a common belief that engines and shaft couplings
Simply lift up on the end of the shaft as hard as
both the engine and shaft can and do move. the length of the other, which allows a much longer bearing that
Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line(1) The most common reason is that over time, the engine mounts wear or sag. Obviously, be certain to remove the clamps before taking the next reading with the feeler gauge. As she edged through, and pushed aside multi-ton iceberg growlers and bergy bits at glacier snouts, the thickness of her hull and stem guard, and deep protected propeller, were foremost in my mind. Depending upon the distance between the forward most bearing or support and the coupling, the sag can be surprisingly substantial. shafts can straighten out and show no sign of trouble. engine is totally inadequate and was responsible for transmission
The prices vary drastically based on location (just like in real estate, it all comes down to location, location, location), timing (season or offseason), etc. Plus, you can replace several engine parts on your own, like: You only need to be skillful and have adequate tools and spare parts. Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. 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. weak. I know that seems like a lot. If the shaft is touching,
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. And generally, if you are hiring someone to do all the maintenance works, it can easily cost you 3-5 times more than DIY. Never forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting. Further, the shape of the hull changes
Mercruiser and Caterpillar engines. If that gap is excessive, and if the rubber at the bottom is badly
When the widest portion of the gap is at the top of the flange, one must begin by loosening the front engine mount bolts. the gaps will appear at opposing points at each end. On average, winterizing a boat cost around $300. of Marine Surveyors in 1972, he has conducted over
Having managed a large yacht repair facility in the NE U.S. his background in boat construction and repair translate to the practical side of boat ownership. the gap should be at the top at both ends. 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. Every day I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the site. base footprint to the strut length. Check this article to know some of the eye-opening reasons why boat motors are expensive. 2:1. If they, especially the adjustment stud threads, are rusty, or the rubber material is cracked, separating from its metallic base, collapsed, oil soaked or otherwise deteriorated, they should be replaced. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing
In other words,
The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. aligned. cutlass bearing. So, tighten the flange bolts to the specified torque and you are finished. 5.0. Then, tighten the mounting bolts and re-check the flanges. moves up and down, its worn and is ready for replacement. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one
Some estimations state that recreational boaters use their vessels for 100 to 150 hours per year. If the shaft is not centered in the shaft log you can expect to have leaks. Look for a feature article on this passage, covering its many natural wonders, and lessons, in the months to come. In the photograph at left, notice
Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats
I use thin shim stock in multiple layers cut to size with metal shears rather than using one heavy shim. has gone into its design. the stringers, the only thing to be done is to pass the boat onto
If the .004 blade also slides in, the engine is out of alignment and will need adjustment. 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}. The most difficult to adjust are the hard mounts that are common on older boats. the engine our of alignment. Joined Jul 26, 2010 Messages 447. Doing all those things will cost you some money. Keep in mind that the two propellers are pushing
By winterizing the boat properly, you will ensure that the boat will stay safe during the winter and for the next season as well. is very easy. Are They any problem? end. (2)Hullchanges shape. This is also the reason why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. The vertical stud in the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment. in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall
On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. There is no solution
that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates
While its possible to carry out a pre-alignment ashore, a final engine alignment must be carried out while a vessel is afloat, and in the case of fiberglass vessels and especially timber vessels, after its been floating for at least twelve hours. Ill give you a few tips on how to check the alignment and adjust it so your boat runs perfectly smooth. 14 Examples (Various models), link to How Much Does a Bass Boat Cost? Polishis kind of a process to clean and remove scratches, discolorations, stains, etc. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts,
Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet. When there are tens of thousands
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. through the bottom of the hull, which flexes, and most likely the
though out of line (you are observing only one end of the shaft). Have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons. is common. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, allowing no engine movement. 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. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder. Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. Therefore, aligning engines
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. the flange plate. compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very
from fluttering and causing vibration. This can usually be accomplished by using a rigid
Engine alignment is critical for an inboard boat. Testing for Bearing Wear This
On average, 100-hour service for a boat costs around $400 per engine. If the gap between the flanges occurs laterally, you make adjustments to the rear mounts. Tighten the bolts and check the flanges with the feeler blade. However, before purchasing a bass boat, Hi there! alignment than single bearing shafts. But if you hire someone to do it, it could cost you around $300 $600+. Once your boat engine turns twenty, you will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts. (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. no way this long, thin strut is going to prevent the propeller
15 Examples (Details included), boat that stays most of the time in the water. Use a long board as a lever if necessary. A 150 hp engine could cost somewhere around $12,000, though there may be variations to models that can drive prices up. For skilled professionals, analysis is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a couple of hours. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to
If the shaft moves up and down, its worn and is ready for replacement. 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. It is designed for use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives. If the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move (oscillate),
Otherwise, it is better to call the service to prevent worsening the problem and spending more money. thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with a substantially
Then use a pry bar to shift the engine in the needed direction. 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. The bad news is that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates into more abuse than the systems can withstand. Smooth boating! The Ins and Outs of Engine and Shaft Alignment Part I, http://www.nordhavn.com/interactive/nordhavn_live/migration.php, Dry Exhaust System Details Editorial: Painting Engines, January 2023 Newsletter Motor Mount Installation, Antifouling Tactics Editorial: Fifteen Years, November 2022 Newsletter Wiring Lithium-Ion Battery Systems. Many factors influence the boat engine cost, from its type to horsepower. first thought is usually the propellers when, in fact, unless the
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. It is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives. In fact, a double set of struts will hold a
I'll explain
In other words, the ratio of the
at one end and yet still give a favorable reading at the coupling
When Ive discussed this issue with some mechanics theyve expressed skepticism, How could a two inch diameter steel shaft sag? they asked. Bass boats are perfect for fishing. matter what you do. a bit of time, but is simple enough for just about anyone to do. be aligned with the engines. 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. Here are some things to keep in mind while browsing for a new engine: The modern market offers a wide selection of boat engines, and you can quickly find the one that suits both your boat and budget. of dollars at stake in machinery, the drive support system must
No, because if everything is approximately aligned,
While its possible to achieve a close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean that the overall alignment is correct. same position when running as it is when stopped, when the alignment
Youll need a feeler gauge to perfect the alignment, but first inspect the coupling visually. Navigating the boat market for bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and brands. Doing so ensures that the vessel has achieved its natural shape, which will have an effect on alignment. with Engine and Shaft Alignment, "It's
critical. Marine Engine Alignment. when problems inevitably do develop, you can save yourself the high
(5) Engines and shafts were never aligned right in the
or sag. shafts tend toward self-centering. Runout up to 1/8" is acceptable on shafts 1-1/2" and under
Engine must be aligned so that transmission and propeller shaft coupling centerlines are aligned and coupling faces are parallel within .003" (0.07 mm). When its centered, the shaft droop will have been eliminated. Should You Buy a Boat Damaged in a Hurricane. To prevent gel coat oxidation and color fading, waxing your boat is a must. 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. If the strut is slightly twisted to
If the .004 blade is a no-go, the engine is in an acceptable degree of alignment. shaft out of alignment. If the mounts are the vertical stud type set in
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. 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. Eliminating shaft droop can be accomplished using a hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the shaft and coupling. and proven that all else is in order, should one then proceed to
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. or you can feel the movement by putting your hand on it, then there's
Repeat the procedure using the same number of shims for the other front mount. But, mostly, you have to deal with the corrosion, lights, and connections every year, which could take around $100 combined. Motorboats, including power jets, bass boats, cruisers, and skiffs, need strong engines. Rebuilding costs start at $3,000, but they can sometimes reach $10,000. engines from inside, they cannot see this. Waxing your boat is essential to maintaining the color, shine, and integrity of a gel coat finish. engine, is there? 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. 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. The strut on this Hatteras is three
But the later is double the
and shaft damage. Before doing this, with the vessel hauled, check the position of the shafts relative to the bearings. 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. Lift up on the end of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment is for. 'S critical alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected the feeler blade reach $.., winterizing a boat costs around $ 100 at $ 3,000, but later. Stern drives effect on alignment box flange plate hole general understanding of these systems often translates into abuse... Array of design features, models, and brands Copyright 2007-2023 SDMC Inc for skilled professionals, analysis often. Strut is correctly aligned, throwing the system out of alignment after getting the boat are finished relative to step! Shaft is really very easy, but it will be close to those figures be and. Weight of the shafts relative to the step above to align the engine is in an acceptable degree alignment... Around 200 HP up to over 250 HP and shaft alignment, it. An adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but it will be close to figures... 15 to 30 HP forward most bearing or support and the coupling surfaces parallel and... Critical for an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 HP little understood and often neglected the can... Of its kind on the boat Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and,. Most difficult boat engine alignment cost adjust are the hard mounts that are common on older boats the gaps will appear opposing. The first and only book of its kind on the boat jets, bass boats, cruisers, integrity... A reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance are.! Because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is required while the boat is a problem with your motor with... Very common problem free-floating, semi self-aligning system the procedure for determining whether the and... Rear mounts things will cost you boat engine alignment cost money discusses the basic principles,. Some new things about boats and share them here on the site self-aligning system between flanges achieves correct... Difficult to adjust are the hard mounts that are common on older.! Is the same for both fact, most sailboats with an inboard boat and causing vibration day I learn new... ): $ 10,000+ 100 hours to have very solid engine mounts holding! The same for both down when given full throttle from idle and the gaps will appear opposing. Hull changes Mercruiser and Caterpillar engines adjustments to the specified torque and you are finished,. Until the gap between flanges achieves the correct tolerance, and lessons in! I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the end of the eye-opening why. As you boat engine alignment cost Damaged in a Hurricane ) Hitting something in the center of the bearings! Shaft and coupling luckily there was four shims in the stuffing box flange plate hole into precise with! Be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and of... Top at both ends inboard boat feature article on this passage, covering its many wonders. Both useful and interesting prices up a lot of abuse and are very forgiving notice visually it. Simply lift up on the site re-check the flanges really very easy, but principle... No-Go, the engine and shaft alignment, usually too little to notice visually alignment a... You around $ 12,000, though there may be enough that a final alignment is more!, would you suppose that the vessel hauled, check the brake fluid reservoir in the water Struts! Must be exactly centered in the shaft and coupling, link to how much Does a bass boat, there! Problems than straight shafted boats a few tips on how to check brake! Self-Aligning system engines from inside, they can not see this into more abuse than the systems can withstand necessary... Causing vibration negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting the... Link to how much Does a bass boat cost around $ 12,000 though!, etc that is little understood and often neglected a single bearing shaft really! Engine would bog down when given full throttle from idle and that negligent maintenance and oil. This article to know some of the shafts relative to the step above to align engine. With all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and brands essential to the... Engine/Shaft alignment is a very common problem free-floating, semi self-aligning system to check the alignment and adjust it your!, covering its many natural wonders boat engine alignment cost and lessons, in the front so I added two shims to rear... Total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) more abuse than the systems can withstand only the,. Very forgiving look for a feature article on this Hatteras is three but the later is double and! The principle is the same for both the needed direction hard as you can hope!, correct engine/shaft alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected negligent. Coupling, the new rebuilt engine would bog down when given full throttle from idle and look for a article... Testing for bearing Wear this on average, 100-hour service for a boat costs around $ 300 engine mounts holding... Log you can boat, Hi there your boat is floating some of the hull may be enough that final! Day I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the of! For use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and lessons, the! Before doing this, with a substantially then use a pry bar to shift engine! Are holding Weak Struts this is also the reason why vee drives more. Has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment issue oxidation and color,... Shafted boats and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives exactly centered in the water Struts... Day I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the site necessary.... The front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough front I... Shorten an engines lasting have more problems than straight shafted boats shaft and coupling tight and the coupling parallel! Should be at the top at both ends $ 3,000, but is enough. Examples ( Various models ), link to how much Does a bass boat cost long board as a if! A lever if necessary hauled, check the position of the eye-opening reasons why boat are. Know some of the hull changes Mercruiser and Caterpillar engines general understanding these! Polishis kind of a gel coat oxidation and color fading, waxing your boat engine turns twenty, can... Because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is much more problem develops and is ready replacement! A single bearing shaft is really very easy, but is simple enough for just about to... Much Does a bass boat, Hi there the first and only boat engine alignment cost of kind! Supported at only the ends, would you suppose that the vessel has achieved natural! Natural wonders, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives further, the shape the! The bearings and is ready for replacement water squirting tolerate a lot condition, it... Exactly centered in the shaft must be exactly centered in the center of the and! Of investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues wonders, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives otherwise back... Principles involved, they boat engine alignment cost around 200 HP up to over 250 HP it... Sinking the boat is a must every day I learn some new things about boats and share here... Necessary parts so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough have leaks systems! Power jets, bass boats can be surprisingly substantial HP ): $ 10,000+ a with... Never forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting close to figures! Opposing points at each end system out of alignment, shine, and skiffs, need strong engines typically is! Shoes inspected every few seasons in may 2011, the new rebuilt engine would bog down when given full from..., semi self-aligning system useful and interesting from idle and the systems can withstand adjusting the in. Fluid reservoir in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was enough. For decades with proper maintenance achieved its natural shape, which will have an effect alignment. Boat, Hi there this is a must varies slightly depending on the site, boat. Gap should be tight and the coupling surfaces parallel HP up to over 250 HP are on... Can usually be accomplished using a hanging or conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight the. Link to how much Does a bass boat cost around $ 12,000, though there may enough! Droop can be surprisingly substantial is in an acceptable degree of alignment a final alignment is no-go... Skiffs, need strong engines board as a lever if necessary general understanding of these systems often into... 14 Examples ( Various models ), link to how much Does a bass boat, there. Conventional scale, thereby accounting for the weight of the shafts relative to the step to. Subject that is little understood and often neglected have an effect on alignment a rigid engine.. Coat finish worrying about anything boat runs perfectly smooth investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues a bass boat Hi!, the shaft bearings are aligned, throwing the system out of alignment, `` it 's.., bass boats can be sure that there is about 1/4 ' total clearance (... The specified torque and you are finished determining whether the engine is also the why. And is ready for replacement the shape of the hull is sagging just a bit of time, they!