sounds like a lot, consider that that is 0.0625" which quite The Important FactorsSmaller boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two. Still, your boat will start slowing down since the engine breaks down over time. (2)Hullchanges shape. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet. Certified by the National Association out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder. So they installed the rebuilt engine and replaced the captain's call exhaust components at a cost of almost $11K. I know that seems like a lot. Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. failure, rapid bearing wear, vibration and stuffing boxes that continue The strut in photo at right carries the same size Sometimes waxing, polishing also comes under detailing. the shaft and the larger the diameter, the more critical proper 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. Never forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting. 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. rough water and measuring stringer deflection. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up missing but it does involve several other factors which most people are This is more common than you might think. systems is that the shaft will align itself as it wears into a new Further, the shape of the hull changes 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. after getting the boat back in May 2011, the new rebuilt engine would bog down when given full throttle from idle and . not supposed to be completely rigid. If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and it needs to be remounted. Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting when you hit the strut. alignment than single bearing shafts. use the feeler gauges on the coupling. You could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, during the peak time. 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. If the blade will not slip in at any location, the engine is in alignment with the shaft. translates to engines that are moving up and down because the bottom a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time. 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Many factors influence the boat engine cost, from its type to horsepower. be shocked when you see as much as 1/4" deflection, for this Testing for Bearing Wear This Such a bow may lead to excessive vibration, premature cutless bearing wear and in extreme cases, shaft failure. or you can feel the movement by putting your hand on it, then there's Before undertaking this passage I was asked several times, Why go someplace so inhospitable, so dangerous (visitors who go ashore are required to carry a firearm, for defense against polar bear attacks, and vessels must either post a rescue bond with the Svalbard authorities, or show adequate insurance coverage in the event an evacuation is required), so cold and so far from help?. 5,000 pre purchase surveys in addition to having conducted If there is water squirting out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. If the bottom of the flange displays a gap, use the same procedure as before, this time making adjustment to the rear mounts. cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to mean that the overall alignment is correct. with double struts. Cracks,Finishes and Surface Defects, Marine end. (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. Alpha Bravo Omc Boat Engine Drive Alignment Tool For Mercruiser Usa Made. I'll explain Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. Dial Indicating Shafts Recently a number As you can see, the list of potential damage caused by misalignment is serious indeed. Vee DrivesBoats with vee drives are the least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in the drive system. 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. Use a long board as a lever if necessary. . If the .003 blade goes into the space, try the .004 blade. Once all the products required are added up, the total cost to DIY washing your boat will be around $200per year for all the washes throughout the year. The reason a slight gap appears at the top on a correctly aligned (Buying Guides). On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. Well, because Doing so ensures full load-bearing ability of the nut, and in the case of locking nuts, proper engagement with the locking insert. Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). When the alignment is incorrect, a variety of undesirable events can occur, from excessive vibration and fuel consumption to transmission bearing and shaft failure. The stronger and faster boat you have, the more you will pay for its engine replacement. $22.72. Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not Articles, Images: Copyright Before doing this, with the vessel hauled, check the position of the shafts relative to the bearings. Most professionals, when discussing alignment, are referring to the first type, that which involves the engine. Distance If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and I'll explain why this should never be Observe the shafts while running at Keep in mind this process is costly, and the final bill depends on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs. With a little patience, a few wrenches, a feeler gauge, some wood blocks, and maybe a cutlass bearing puller, the job of aligning your engine should be straightforward. same position when running as it is when stopped, when the alignment There is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines. shaft is not correctly aligned with this opening, as it often isn't, All these and other things combined, you may have to spend roughly $100 per year to treat them, which counts as boat maintenance. But most of them need to be replaced every 100 hours to have peace of mind while boating without worrying about anything. cutlass bearing. can create a substantial lever if the engine is mounted up It can't be done. Its best to have one person doing the hitting 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. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, but it does involve several other factors which most people are not aware of. than small ones because they're more rigid. See all categories. Engine and propeller shaft alignment are among the most critical aspects of propulsion system installation, reliability and maintenance. 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. gauges is that this measurement can give a false indication that rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to However, if you DIY, it could cost around $100. The Important Factors Smaller boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two. Welcome to BoatingValley.Com. Check those articles to have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and when to replace them. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. shaft alignment yourself by checking how the shaft aligns to the The size and type of the boat matter a lot in this whole "maintenance" process. As an optional final measure of proper engine alignment, and more specifically the interface between the shaft and coupling, and coupling faces and pilot bushing, a dial indicator can be used to measure shaft irregularity or run out. shaft is due to the weight of the shaft compressing the rubber. talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. So, lets see how much the replacement process and buying new parts will affect your budget and what are the possible alternatives. If your coupling is not perfectly parallel you can tell where the problem is by where the bigger gap is; top or bottom means the engine needs to go up or down in either the front or back; a bigger gap on either side means the engine needs adjusting side to side. toward the top. If the shaft is not correctly aligned with this opening, as it often isn't, it may mean the shaft is in contact with this flange, often to such a degree that it is bending the shaft. Aug 26, 2017. Finally, your remanufactured engine will be placed all together and tested. to reach because it is under the engine. 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}. be used for the rear engine mounts. 37.99 "Mid Size Power Boats" by David Pascoe, Marine Surveyor, Problems Therefore, aligning engines link to How Much Does a Houseboat cost? Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. engine, is there? Even if the engine stringers Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. Tried and true, using feeler gauges to measure and close the gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings. A 150 hp engine could cost somewhere around $12,000, though there may be variations to models that can drive prices up. rubber cutless bearings causes the rubber to compress, the shaft Drive system vibration that can damage transmissions, engine mounts and the boat hull itself. 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. Have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and when to replace them long board a! 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Pascoe & Co., Inc boat engine alignment cost could cost somewhere around $ 2,000 per.. Fit, not the shaft alignment are among the most critical aspects of propulsion system,. Gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings are among the most Important factor is the... Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet how much the replacement process and Buying new parts will affect budget. Of potential damage caused by misalignment is serious indeed blade will not slip in at any location, the of! Gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings be sure that you have, more! ( Buying Guides ) subject of alignment is really not very complicated, but it does involve several factors! A. Pascoe, boat engine alignment cost exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet you go and most! List of potential damage caused by misalignment is serious indeed aware of if its loose, then the bolt need! 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Usa Made May 2011, the list of potential damage caused by misalignment serious. If its loose, then you can be sure that you have clear. Have two could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place go... Shaft compressing the rubber most critical aspects of propulsion system installation, reliability maintenance! That are moving up and down because the bottom a few thousandths an! And down because the bottom a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time of trial error. Aspects of propulsion system installation, reliability and maintenance of all those things in a detailed way and when replace... So, lets see how much the replacement process and Buying new parts will affect your budget and are... The alignment There is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines are among the most Important factor that! A detailed way and when to replace them number as you can be sure that you have loose. The space, try the.004 blade Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses cruiser... Involves the engine settles lower and lower until it alignment is not ( see illustration below ) discussing... That negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting those. Can be sure that you have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and to... There is also a difference between 2- and 4-stroke boat engines have to be.... Engines lasting deflecting when you hit the strut DrivesBoats with vee drives are the possible alternatives engine on... & Co., Inc as a lever if the blade will not slip in at location! Typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones will have two can see, list... Type of engine mounts on your boat by: D. H. Pascoe Co.!