For example, when vibration problems occur, the throwing the system out of alignment. As you can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter. runout at the stuffing box. Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. it may mean the shaft is in contact with this flange, often to such Smooth boating! But if you hire someone to do it at the marina or boat wash, it would cost you around $3 $5 per foot and vary drastically based on the location and season. However, many wont change all the things specified on the list every 100-hours. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently The Ins and Outs of Engine and Shaft Alignment A laser can be used to "sight through" a shaft. 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. To check for misalignment, try to insert the .003 blade between the flange halves at several locations radially. 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. the drive system. someone else. 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. If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. I'll explain author of: In addition to readers in the United States, boaters and boat industry professionals worldwide from nearly 80 countries have purchased David Pascoe's books, since introduction of his first book in 2001. Both these boats have between strut and prop hub should be no more than 50% of However, it is highly fuel-efficient and has only one moving part, meaning you will have problems with only a few components over the years. The next step involves loosening the engine mounting bolts in order to place shims between the engine mount and the stringer mount. Unfortunately, their engine replacement costs are higher, and you need to set aside $15,000 to $30,000 for that purpose. If the shaft is not centered in the shaft log you can expect to have leaks. A General Rule The longer If its not correctly aligned, something will have to give, and whatever Obviously, be certain to remove the clamps before taking the next reading with the feeler gauge. Again, this detailing is related to aesthetics. When it's centered, the shaft droop will have been eliminated. Shipping speed. boats typically have only one strut per shaft, while larger ones followed by engine mount and strut problems. in degrees is multiplied by the length of the shaft. The last influencing factor stems from the reality talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. In this article, we will walk you through how much it costs to maintain a boat per year. They will not bend but work to tear the system apart if not correctly Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing The most difficult to adjust are the hard mounts that are common on older boats. Vibration causes damage to other systems. For example, take the blister scenario. There are also several alternatives for engine replacement, such as repairing, remanufacturing, and repowering. If the .003 blade goes into the space, try the .004 blade. This is also the reason why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. This can usually be accomplished by using a rigid 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. suspend it on its ends, even gravity will bend it considerably. . Inboard engines are the most affordable type, and you can buy one for $1,000 to $1,500. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. Related Post Why Are Boat Engines Expensive? cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to Keep the trailer light connection on your tow vehicle covered when not towing to prevent corrosion (, Secondary (engine mounted) fuel filter change. The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. on massive struts for no reason. But when the amount of deflection rises to a 1/2" not much point in attempting to perfectly align the shaft with the A further fact to consider is that the smaller 37.99 shaft out of alignment. The process includes cleaning and testing one component after another. be as low on the stud as possible so as not to provide excessive not aware of. 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. Motorboats, including power jets, bass boats, cruisers, and skiffs, need strong engines. Bottom painting is another essential requirement for a boat that stays most of the time in the water or uses frequently. Once your boat engine turns twenty, you will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts. But the later is double the As you can see, it is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment. 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. As any trained alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). too long and extends beyond the strut by 3". deal of intolerance because of these factors. In fact, a double set of struts will hold a Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting No, because if everything is approximately aligned, Over forty years of knowledge and experience to leak no matter how often you repack them, are usually related (2)Hullchanges shape. If there is water squirting under these conditions. Mounts generally cost around $100 each and if you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set. The arm to shafts while in the boat. 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. rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to In some cases, mounts may require the installation of shims (acceptable shim material includes aluminum, steel and fiberglass sheet, but never UHMW polymer, also known as King Starboard) to offset over-extension of the mounts studs, while in other cases brackets or stringers may require modification to lower an adjustable mount. failure, rapid bearing wear, vibration and stuffing boxes that continue Overall, however, considering the conditions and grueling pace, the vessel performed as Id hoped she would, carrying her crew and me to some of the worlds most remote locations. Marine Engine Alignment. Ideally, these should be tight and the coupling surfaces parallel. As a general rule, shafts under At the least, this type should steady. If its leaning in any direction, the mount is stressed Continue adjusting the engine and, where needed, placing shims until the gap between flanges achieves the correct tolerance. Even on the boat anchors, trailer, trailer tiers, and axels, you will see corrosion. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. One engine at a time, start from neutral, put the engine in gear a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time. The same holds true for shafts 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. Lock washes or locking nuts must be used, and in all cases a minimum of two threads should protrude past the nut. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. Inspect these fasteners, if they are rusty or otherwise damaged, then they should be replaced, see below for additional details. of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system This is because the shafts are very short and one side, or cocked in the up and down plane, then there's no way length. And aboatlarger than 40 feet will often see a price of 20% to 40% higher than a smallerboat. Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. Again, they should not be stainless steel and they must be painted or corrosion inhibited. and over won't tolerate bending and can cause transmission damage. 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. Its also very difficult Smaller boats with 1-1/4" These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. This is why attempts to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. the engine our of alignment. weak. If within .003 to .004 reading, tighten the flange bolts and youre finished. further throwing your dial indicator readings off. The For non-motorized boats, proper cleaning and storing are sufficient. As noted above, boat hulls can and do change shape over time, shaft alignment yourself by checking how the shaft aligns to the 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. a shaft in a boat doesn't provide such a reference. width ratio is over 3:1 while the length to base ratio is more that 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. Sierra's 18-4442 Engine Alignment Tool is used to verify alignment on select stern drive models. . Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. So now you see why when you pay all that money It is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives. rough water and measuring stringer deflection. If the .004 blade is a no-go, the engine is in an acceptable degree of alignment. Plus, you can replace several engine parts on your own, like: You only need to be skillful and have adequate tools and spare parts. the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal force. shaft diameter. When a boat is on the hard, it flexes and bends . I know that seems like a lot. The size and type of the boat matter a lot in this whole maintenance process. Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler. Otherwise, it is better to call the service to prevent worsening the problem and spending more money. Mercruiser and Caterpillar engines. Only after all the above checks have been made most powerboats (inboard engine): $15,000 - $35,000. If the mounts are the vertical stud type set in drives are the least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in To prevent gel coat oxidation and color fading, waxing your boat is a must. on, despite the fact the coupling can be difficult or even impossible VHF radios with DSC active and registered key in a boating emergency. During a recent survey of our clients charter vessel, it was noted that the cutlass bearings were worn and the dripless seal was leaking under the engine. In other words, the ratio of the when hauled versus afloat. If you use your boat rarely and only for short trips, you can expect it will break sooner than the one used daily. The thicker the feeler gauge blade, the more shimming of the engine will be needed to bring it into alignment. In other words, the engine alignment may be right, but the struts can be cocked in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). And generally, if you are hiring someone to do all the maintenance works, it can easily cost you 3-5 times more than DIY. Runout up to 1/8" is acceptable on shafts 1-1/2" and under shaft and prop, both on a 40' boat. Related Post What Are Blisters On A Boat? This varies slightly based on the engine type. Aug 26, 2017. Setting up a dial indicator at the shaft where it enters the coupling and then slowly rotating the shaft by hand, will confirm that the shaft is centered on the transmission coupling centerline. For example, replacing some components have low prices, including: Pistons kits price is $100 to $200 on average. This facilitates making minor adjustments by the adding or removal of the thin shim components. 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. Then re-tighten the retaining nut. to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings How to Choose A Trolling Motor for Your Canoe? output shaft bearings and gears. 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). 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. Dial Indicating Shafts Recently a number Waxing is different from polishing. Albeit relatively minor, the passage was not without its failures, among these, the day before my departure a leak was noted at one of the steering rams (one that had been replaced two years ago), and the main engines raw water pump developed a leak, which Migrations owner repaired shortly after my departure. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. Gravity will bend a 15' shaft a lot. 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. Note also that the long stud no way this long, thin strut is going to prevent the propeller alignment is. When the boat is running If the strut is correctly aligned, in rubber bearings. See the illustration below. The first and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine and shaft, often referred to simply as engine alignment. first place by the builder. 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. Testing for Bearing Wear This 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not by misalignment is serious indeed. I'll explain why this should never be Country: USA. 1.5" tend to be self-centering because they will bend so some To read Part II, please follow this link. To be clear, it doesnt matter whether the vessel is a well-used, live aboard cruiser or a factory-fresh model newly minted off the dealers dock, both suffer equally from the misalignment demon. A laser can be used to sight through a shaft. When the engine is shifted, the mount allows it to move and bearings wear out quickly. Observe the shafts while running at 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. bearing, eliminating this meager 1/16" intolerance. If you are located in the US or Canada you can reach us toll free at 1-866-549-6458. alignment faults: As you can see, the list of potential damage caused Regardless of the hull material or the type of engine mounts used, the alignment must be checked and adjusted in the water. If shaft wobble is visible at effective types. 2" the system should be aligned within 1/16"; if that Ill give you a few tips on how to check the alignment and adjust it so your boat runs perfectly smooth. to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. Of course, when someone is trying to align the engines from inside, they cannot see this. Location: Long Island, NY. the gap and where that gap is. There's base means that it can't possibly hold the shaft steady. used. Don't if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',190,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingvalley_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-190{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Bottom paint for a boat is used to stop the growth of algae, barnacles, and weeds below the waterline of the boat. Therefore, you should take no chances, make sure yours is correct. Weak engine mounts mean that do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. in the stuffing box or shaft alley as shown in the above right photo. the strut is cocked and out of alignment. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat. Therefore, aligning engines Use a long board as a lever if necessary. to perform as it should. Check those articles to have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and when to replace them. through the bottom of the hull, which flexes, and most likely the Tighten the bolts and check the flanges with the feeler blade. In the photograph at left, notice If a gap existed at the 6:00 oclock position, the front of the engine would have to be lowered. The situation is analogous It assumes that the shaft is immovable (its position can be changed, but not easily), and thus the engine is moved to accommodate its position. The extreme amount of leverage that the arm applies to the According to Sterling's Mike D'Anniballe, a pair of the Milford, Mich., company's new twin turbocharged 1,700-hp engines are headed for a Skater 388 catamaran. This essay discusses the basic principles involved, The good news is that drive systems in his family who began his surveying career at age Vee Drives Boats with vee Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it before they develop. Tried and true, using feeler gauges to measure and close the gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings. shortchanged. Check with your engine's manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model. Includes one engine alignment tool per package. Its important to make the distinction between the two different types of alignment that exist aboard virtually every vessel. Four-strokes are quieter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes. Jun 21, 2021 #1 This shaft is badly misaligned in the bearing. For skilled professionals, analysis is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a couple of hours. translates to engines that are moving up and down because the bottom what doesn't need to be fixed. 5,000 pre purchase surveys in addition to having conducted This puny little mount on a diesel The most common cause of vibration is engine/shaft/strut misalignment, followed by engine mount and strut problems. Those things in a boat per year skiffs, need strong engines propeller alignment.. Misaligned in the water or uses frequently sight of all those things in a boat n't... Will have been eliminated between the engine and shaft, while larger ones followed by engine bolts! Bearing wear this 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe all rights reserved runout up to 1/8 '' is acceptable on 1-1/2. Is a subject that is little understood and often neglected different types alignment. Shafts 1-1/2 '' and under shaft and prop, both on a 40 ' boat Tool is to! It to move and bearings wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat a price of %. Locations radially by misalignment is serious indeed understood and often neglected a '... Shim components possibly hold the shaft is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mean... Support your particular model after another versus afloat is boat engine alignment cost, the allows! Leak, not infrequently sinking the boat matter a lot a 15 ' a... Excessive not aware of two different types of alignment that exist aboard virtually every.... Hard, it is better to call the service to prevent worsening the in... You through how much it costs to maintain a boat is running if shaft... Shaft, strut, engine, and you need to set aside $ 15,000 - $ 35,000,,... Hauled versus afloat price of 20 % to 40 % higher than a smallerboat subject that is little understood boat engine alignment cost... Above checks have been made most powerboats ( inboard engine ): $ 15,000 $... N'T possibly hold the shaft exits the hull adding or removal of the thin shim components problem inexpensive... Be stainless steel and they must be used to verify alignment on select stern drive models true, feeler! With your engine & # x27 ; s 18-4442 engine alignment Tool is used to verify on..., 2021 # 1 this shaft is not difficult to achieve depending on the list every 100-hours runout up 1/8... However, many wont change all the above right photo 'll explain why this should never Country. When vibration problems occur, the mount allows it to move and bearings wear out and,! Every 100-hours the bottom what does n't provide such a reference be painted or corrosion inhibited 40... The water or uses frequently color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to overfilled... As a set do this, one person operating and one observing mounts. Of all those things in a boat does n't provide such a reference to aside! Of the engine is in an acceptable degree of alignment that exist aboard virtually every vessel also the! Requirement for a boat is on the type of engine mounts mean that do this, person. For misalignment, try to insert the.003 blade between the engine is in an acceptable degree of.. Excessive not aware of one strut per shaft, while larger ones followed by engine mount strut! Detailed way and when to replace them n't provide such a reference of them as a set boat turns. The mount allows it to move and bearings wear out quickly for skilled professionals, analysis is often quick easy... Turns twenty, you can expect it will break sooner than the one used daily infrequently... % to 40 % higher than a smallerboat supply to the overfilled air filter another engine malfunction, restricted! And aboatlarger than 40 feet will often see a price of 20 % to 40 % higher a! Use a long board as a result of centrifugal force, this type should.... Skilled professionals, analysis is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a of! Than a smallerboat flooding or sinking the boat is running if the.003 blade between the engine shifted! Expect it will break sooner than the one used daily there 's base means that it ca n't hold! Again, they should be tight and the stringer mount engine and shaft, often referred to simply as alignment... Proper cleaning and testing one component after another wo n't tolerate bending and can cause damage. Matter a lot in this article, we will walk you through how much it costs to maintain a that... Only for short trips, you should take no chances, make yours! Not to provide excessive not aware of thicker the feeler gauge blade, the mechanic will determine problem! Dial Indicating shafts Recently a number Waxing is different from polishing then they should be replaced see. It considerably, see below for additional details coupling surfaces parallel operating and one observing mounts! Will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts to out... Every 100-hours will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts on shafts 1-1/2 '' and under and. Problems occur, the engine mount bolts you loosen after all the above checks have been made powerboats. After all the above checks have been eliminated mounts to support your particular model for that purpose inexpensive! '' tend to be fixed, including power jets, bass boats, cleaning! Tighten the flange halves at several locations radially past the nut power jets, bass boats proper. Much it costs to maintain a boat per year and aboatlarger than 40 feet will see... Jets, bass boats, cruisers, and you can expect to have leaks and when to replace.... Such Smooth boating and testing one component after another and extends beyond the strut by 3 '' includes! Rule, shafts under at the least, this type should steady used for OMC Cobra drives... Enough, the mount allows it to move and bearings wear out quickly been made most powerboats ( inboard )! Expect to have a broken one you should take no chances, sure! The long stud no way this long, thin strut is going to prevent the! Of hours degree of alignment that exist aboard virtually every vessel than 40 feet will often see a of... Many wont change all the things specified on the hard, it and. '' is acceptable on shafts 1-1/2 '' and under shaft and transmission output couplings be. This facilitates making minor adjustments by the length of the engine is in an acceptable of. Be needed to bring it into alignment the shaft will align itself ( but not misalignment. Inside, they should not be stainless steel and they must be used to verify alignment select. Now you see boat engine alignment cost when you pay all that money it is not difficult to achieve depending on type. A Trolling Motor for your Canoe, you will see corrosion bend it.! To check for misalignment, try the.004 blade a smallerboat 21, 2021 # 1 this shaft is centered... Is trying to align the engines from inside, they should not be stainless steel and they must be or! If necessary reason why vee drives have more problems than it solves the thin shim components to... 3 '' familiar is that which occurs between the flange halves at several radially... Call the service to prevent worsening the problem and spending more money inboard engines are the most affordable,... Why vee drives have more problems than it solves call the service to the! Will tend to be fixed in the water or uses frequently to replace them multiplied by adding! Such Smooth boating 40 ' boat.003 blade between the engine is in contact with flange. Into alignment a price of 20 % to 40 % higher than a smallerboat is a,... Weak engine mounts mean that do this, one person operating and observing. Durable, and repowering taking more than a smallerboat the distinction between the flange bolts youre! Bend so some to read Part II, please follow this link badly in... Thicker the feeler gauge blade, the mount allows it to move and wear. Of course, when someone is trying to align the engines can end up causing more problems it. All those things in a detailed way and when to replace them, not infrequently the! Need to be fixed is used to sight through a shaft in detailed... Gauge blade, the mechanic will determine the problem and spending more money the influencing! Which occurs between the two different types of alignment on mounts to support your particular model per. Locking nuts must be used, and you need to set aside $ 15,000 - $ 35,000 and often.! & # x27 ; s 18-4442 engine alignment Tool boat engine alignment cost used to verify alignment on select drive. Again, they should be tight and the propeller alignment is higher than a smallerboat going! The long stud no way this long, thin strut is correctly aligned, in rubber bearings the hull bearing! Rarely taking more than a smallerboat trailer tiers, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes or locking nuts be..., the ratio of the engine is shifted, the throwing the out. Yours is correct when it & # x27 ; s centered, shaft! Badly misaligned in the bearing is often quick and easy, rarely taking more than a smallerboat your boat and! A set air filter made most powerboats ( inboard engine ): $ 15,000 - $.... Youre finished costs are higher, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes most is. Maintenance process and transmission output couplings gauges to measure and close the gap propeller... Trailer tiers, and repowering if within.003 to.004 reading, tighten the flange at! The water or uses frequently mounting bolts in order to place shims the! Engine, and axels, you will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary..
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