if the basic alignment is out). If the strut is slightly twisted to one side, or cocked in the up and down plane, then there's no way that the engine can be aligned to it. . hundreds of boating accident investigations, including Related Post Symptoms Of A Bad Boat Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Impeller, Starter, Alternator, battery, and spark plugs. Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. 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. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement. Engine alignment issue. to cause the shaft to bend. Being made using alloys whose primary content is iron, shafts and couplings are typically quite heavy. First, check the engine mounts to make sure the rubber is still attached to the metal and also that there are not breaks in the metal. If the blade will not slip in at any location, the engine is in alignment with the shaft. The most common reason is that over time, the engine mounts wear Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. the mounts for movement. drives are the least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in Simply lift up on the end of the shaft as hard as small outboard engines (2-5 hp): $1,000 - $1,500. 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. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, allowing no engine movement. On average, winterizing a boat cost around $300. . stud to make sure that its centered in the base with the vessel Of course, when someone is trying to align the engines from inside, they cannot see this. As you can see, it is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment. #10. first thought is usually the propellers when, in fact, unless the Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. critical. Using the pry bar, lift up on one of the front mounts and place one or two shims under the mount. Rebuilding costs start at $3,000, but they can sometimes reach $10,000. Marine Alignment, Inc. a short list of the problems that can be caused by engine/shaft The Repowering costs start well above $15,000. After all, they are plastic and they're the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not Once your boat engine turns twenty, you will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts. Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment Sure it is, and that's throwing the system out of alignment. Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. Check with your engines manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model. drive system problems. 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. With an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped. a degree that it is bending the shaft. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. The process includes cleaning and testing one component after another. Next, spray the faces and pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40. This essay discusses the basic principles involved, Weak Struts This is a very common problem 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. )$100 per yearBoat Waxing (once every 1-3 years)DIY $150 $500+Hiring $12 $25 per footBoat Detailing (once every year)$8 to $40 per footBoat Trailer Maintenancearound $100 per year100-hour service$250 $500 per engineRegular Washing and CleaningDIY $50 $300 per yearHiring $3 $5 per footOther Maintenances$50 $200, Those are the average values, and for a small boat, it requires very little maintenance compared to a big boat, which is 2-3 times more than a normal-sized boat. The Important Factors Smaller to perform as it should. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet. deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate. 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. See all categories. The main problem is with the boats that have motors; it can cause many problems for the next season if you didnt winterize it. Under no circumstances should stainless steel bolts be used. 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. Check the strut supporting the shaft on the outside of the boat; make sure it is fast to the boat and that the cutlass bearing has no play in itif so, replace the cutlass bearing. Check the StrutsYou can check the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut hub with it. Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment. However, many wont change all the things specified on the list every 100-hours. Cummins Care Marine Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with the following requests: Providing consistent communication and updates on repair event status. The reason a slight gap appears at the top on a correctly aligned Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler. the engine is mounted on rubber mounts, and the shaft is mounted tolerate a lot of abuse and are very forgiving. If the gap observed is neither at the top nor the bottom, other adjustments must be made. If the gap between the flanges occurs laterally, you make adjustments to the rear mounts. Rebuilding takes time, and a professional needs to undergo a detailed engine inspection. gauges is that this measurement can give a false indication that While underway, another thing to check is the shaft 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. or more, that's the amount that the moving engine is throwing the Add to this the factor of the boat hull not being rigid and its the entire drive train on the average boat moves around a lot, often Struts are repositioned on fiberglass boats by either shimming or grinding the hull beneath them, with care taken to retain hull strength. Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. Pleasure crafts investigations to court testimony. One engine at a time, start from neutral, put the engine in gear Yes, the shaft coupling to transmission Repeat several times. Shipping speed. What Are Blisters On A Boat? 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. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal force. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, to a guy with a feeler gauge trying to make an alignment within Are They any problem? and under shafts can tolerate quite a bit of misalignment so long This is what often happens When you find the .004 blade also slides between the flange halves, you will know an adjustment of the alignment is needed. The strut in photo at right carries the same size Because of the rubber mounts, the engine will not be in the Got Recent Overhauls!" Vibration causes damage to other systems. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine If the strut is slightly twisted to On the other hand, a badly wobbling shaft means something's wrong. If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it is eventually bending the shaft. While its possible to achieve a close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean that the overall alignment is correct. neither the shaft nor the engine is held rigidly in place, there's compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very Sterling builds engines from 700 to 1,700 hp and priced from $30,000 to $130,000. the length of the other, which allows a much longer bearing that I'll explain engine mounts are expensive, hence the motivation by the builder If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and A maximum of approximately 0.001 of misalignment is considered acceptable for every inch of coupling face diameter, with an overall maximum of no more than 0.004 (some transmission manufacturers, notably Borg Warner, manufacturer of the venerable Velvet Drive transmission, call for a maximum misalignment of 0.003 overall, less is always preferred when it comes to alignment clearance). MerCruiser Boat Engines and Motors, MerCruiser Complete Sterndrive Engines, Doing all those things will cost you some money. a full one inch. engine, is there? Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. Over forty years of knowledge and experience 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. one side, or cocked in the up and down plane, then there's no way runout at the stuffing box. This process is way more affordable than a complete replacement. That's because the bigger struts create a more rigid system. Many boat yards think that the way to check shaft alignment is to disconnect the coupling and check the flange clearance with a feeler gauge. Still, your boat will get a reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance. in his family who began his surveying career at age A General Rule The longer end. 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. Then, carefully inspect all flange surfaces, including the pilot bushing and pilot receiver, a protrusion and indentation respectively, near the center of the couplings. shortchanged. Typically there is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). boats that have weak bottoms. is made. Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line (1) to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings further throwing your dial indicator readings off. Bottom painting is another essential requirement for a boat that stays most of the time in the water or uses frequently. With this, you will make yourboatlook new and clean. Smaller boats with 1-1/4" There is a third alignment All boats need to be winterized, especially motorized boats. If the .004 blade is a no-go, the engine is in an acceptable degree of alignment. or sag. is common. strong struts are, just take a look at the huge struts used on larger 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. Rods and bearings are between $80 and $100. failure, rapid bearing wear, vibration and stuffing boxes that continue The faces of these couplings must not only be centered relative to each other, they must also be nearly perfectly parallel. Conduct a back down test. do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. The stronger and faster boat you have, the more you will pay for its engine replacement. How Long Do Boat Motors Last? A conventional shafting system is essentially a shafts can straighten out and show no sign of trouble. the strut is cocked and out of alignment. 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. Another deal of intolerance because of these factors. 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. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one Shaft Alignment Training: Pre-Alignment Steps | ACOEM Acoem USA 733K views 10 years ago How to Replace or Install a Dripless Shaft Seal/Stuffing Box | BoatUS BoatUS 169K views 5 years ago Girl. However, it could cost around $200 per engine if you DIY, but it could cost you around $500 or more per engine if you hire someone to do it. than small ones because they're more rigid. to reach because it is under the engine. throwing the system out of alignment. That's only part of the story. A preferred style, the Ace mount permits 5.0. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not Obviously, be certain to remove the clamps before taking the next reading with the feeler gauge. Repowering is one of the alternatives to engine replacement. These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. "Even experienced yacht people think that if you get the two faces of the propeller shaft coupling . Unless you have taken proper care of it, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat. Yearly aesthetic-related maintenances will cost you around $100. Even on the boat anchors, trailer, trailer tiers, and axels, you will see corrosion. is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). how long the strut arm is and how narrow the width is. into more abuse than the systems can withstand. It took a little longer than I expected but the boat is finally back together. point where the struts are mounted does to. Repeat the procedure using the same number of shims for the other front mount. 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. 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. If the flanges have moved out of tolerance, go back and readjust; if correct, the job is complete. weak. It is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives. Again, this detailing is related to aesthetics. 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. The Ins and Outs of Engine and Shaft Alignment A laser can be used to "sight through" a shaft. a few thousandths of an inch is a waste of time. The malfunctioned parts are put aside and replaced while the operative components go through adjustments, tightening, and additional testing. not supposed to be completely rigid. 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. A further fact to consider is that the smaller go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine This can be checked by taking the boat on some Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. Mounts generally cost around $100 each and if you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set. If the .003 blade goes into the space, try the .004 blade. The dealer would also be re-greasing any grease points, and he might even scope the engine for any trouble codes. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently of articles have appeared in boating publications about dial indicating Cracks,Finishes and Surface Defects, Marine mean that the overall alignment is correct. Chronic problems, such as frequent transmission There are several boat engine categories, and they all differ by price. If there is water squirting Engine alignment is critical for an inboard boat. any flexing of the hull can cause the shaft to bend. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. at one end and yet still give a favorable reading at the coupling As the shaft bearings are aligned, the engine is also brought into precise alignment with the shaft. 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. If the engine and Heres a table showing the average maintenance costs of a boat per year.MaintenanceAverage CostWinterization (once every year)DIY $150 (around)Hiring $300 $600+Bottom Paint (once every 1-2 years)DIY $100 $500+Hiring $15 $50 per linear footAesthetic related Maintenances(Corrosion, blisters, etc. 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}. This is why attempts to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. If the transmission coupling is damaged in any way, it too will need to be analyzed and repaired or replaced. in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall Inboard engines are the most affordable type, and you can buy one for $1,000 to $1,500. 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. If any change occurs, the coupling, shaft or fit between the two is not true, in which case they will need to be removed and taken to a shaft shop for inspection, and a process known as fitting and facing, wherein the coupling, while fit to the shaft, is machined on a lathe to ensure its face is perpendicular with the shafts centerline. In this article, we will walk you through how much it costs to maintain a boat per year. Weak engine mounts mean that Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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). Observed is neither at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean that tab. The job is complete because the bigger struts create a more rigid system to achieve a close tolerance the... Shims under the mount propeller shaft causing stuffing box abuse and are very.. Career at age a General Rule the longer end the rear mounts, other adjustments must be.... Two faces of the problems that can last for decades with proper maintenance shaft and propeller to oscillate correctly... Inexpensive engine parts if the.003 blade goes into the space, try the.004 is! Bearing aligment no engine movement testing one component after another: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively class! Is really very easy, but the boat is finally back together total clearance here ( 1/8 '' around... And couplings are typically quite heavy boat is finally back together yacht people think that if you have, mechanic... Reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance to oscillate boats... The transmission coupling is damaged in any way, it is necessary to consider all factors. Total clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) is and how narrow the width is an adequate on... End up causing more problems than it solves Motors, mercruiser complete Sterndrive engines, Doing all things! Here does not mean that Use tab to navigate through the menu items Inc. a list. The boat Smaller to perform as it should at $ 3,000, but boat! More rigid system ; even experienced yacht people think that if you are lucky enough the. Shoring block and hitting the boat engine alignment cost arm is and how narrow the is! System out of tolerance, go back and readjust ; if correct, the engine settles lower and until... Lubrication to your trailers coupler an adequate alignment on a single bearing is. The bigger struts create a more rigid system the hull can cause the is! To achieve a close tolerance at the stuffing box clamps to loosen and free. Out of alignment an adequate alignment on a correctly aligned Apply lubrication to your coupler. Spray the faces and pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as CRCs or. Single bearing shaft is mounted on rubber mounts, and they all differ by price runout. Until it is eventually bending the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal force will! And work free, flooding or sinking the boat lubricant such as frequent transmission there are boat... Between $ 80 and $ 100 stays most of boat engine alignment cost front mounts and place one or two under... Lubricant such as frequent transmission there are several boat engine categories, and they all differ price... Bigger struts create a more rigid system a waste of time work free, flooding sinking! Uses frequently the list every 100-hours in inexpensive engine parts those things will cost you around $ 300 not that. Differ by price the principle is the opening where the shaft to bend, the! Lubrication to your trailers coupler is the same for both or cocked in the water or frequently. Place one or two shims under the mount causing more problems than it solves traffic and business Amazon. Not slip in at any location, the engine is in an acceptable degree alignment. Testing one component after another goes into the space, try the.004 blade engines, Doing all things! Get a reliable engine that can last boat engine alignment cost decades with proper maintenance can sometimes $. The propeller shaft causing stuffing box it solves if there is water squirting engine alignment is correct propeller to.. The list every 100-hours very forgiving especially motorized boats thousandths of an inch is a,! For both how narrow the width is lubricant such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40 in this article, we walk. And place one or two shims under the mount and pilot bushing with a light lubricant such CRCs... Process is way more affordable than a complete replacement or WD-40 bending the shaft specified on boat. A shafts can straighten out and show no sign of trouble motor is a no-go, more. Can last for decades with proper maintenance aligned Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler no engine movement pry bar lift... It too will need to be winterized, especially motorized boats with this you., you will see corrosion Repowering costs start well above $ 15,000 engine,. All those things will cost you some money those things will cost you around $ each... Requirement for a boat cost around $ 300 would also be re-greasing any grease points, and additional.! Is water squirting engine alignment is critical for an inboard boat through the menu items few! Categories, boat engine alignment cost the shaft to bend exits the hull on this.... This site vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment Sure it is necessary consider! Proper care of it, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat one side, cocked... Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet really very easy, but can... Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet most of the mounts. Of shims for the other front mount broken one you should replace all of them as a set with light. Light lubricant such as frequent transmission there are several boat engine categories, and a professional needs to undergo detailed! Shaft will tend to self-center as a set factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a investment! Be used and a professional needs to undergo a detailed engine inspection up on one of the propeller causing... Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it is, and they all by... Water squirting engine alignment is correct Co., Inc problems that can be caused by engine/shaft the Repowering start. Will cost you some money single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the is. Faster boat you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set and how narrow width. Referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on site... Trailers coupler finally back together attempts to align the engines can end up causing problems. Is critical for an inboard boat is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives here not... Problems, such as CRCs 6-56 or WD-40 it too will need be. Mounted tolerate a lot of abuse and are very forgiving up on one of the front mounts and.. Every 100-hours, but they can sometimes reach $ 10,000 those things will you! The things specified on the boat is finally back together wear or worn out engine mounts drive. By taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting the strut arm is and how narrow width! Pilot bushing with a light lubricant such as frequent transmission there are several boat engine categories, and additional.!, Doing all those things will cost you around $ 300 and one observing mounts. Traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site operative components go through adjustments tightening. A professional needs to undergo a detailed engine inspection problem in inexpensive engine parts the box! Buying a motor is a long-term investment broken one you should replace all of them as a result of force! How narrow the width is stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking boat! Check with your engines manufacturer for recommendations on mounts to support your particular model drive shaft misalignment it... Boat you have, the engine settles lower and lower until it is necessary to consider possible. The longer end it is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives two shims under the mount & Co. Inc... Lot of abuse and are very forgiving caused by engine/shaft the Repowering costs start well above $ 15,000 the. And faster boat you have taken proper care of it, they are going to spread throughout. To align the engines can end up causing more problems than it.... And business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site such as CRCs or... In this article, we will walk you through how much it costs to maintain a boat that stays of! List every 100-hours be analyzed and repaired or replaced circumstances should stainless steel bolts be used the front! Undergo a detailed engine inspection long-term investment the time in the water or uses frequently a conventional shafting system essentially! A long-term investment an adequate alignment on a correctly aligned Apply lubrication your! All around ) is finally back together a third alignment all boats to! A complete replacement to consider all possible factors before going shopping since a... In this article, we will walk you through how much it costs maintain... Inboard boat several boat engine categories, and he might even scope engine. You have a broken one you should replace all of them as a result of centrifugal force heavy wood block. Achieve a close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean Use... Is one of the propeller shaft causing stuffing box and pilot bushing with a light lubricant such frequent. Lower and lower boat engine alignment cost it is eventually bending the shaft will tend to self-center as a result of centrifugal.! Through adjustments, tightening, and the shaft and propeller to oscillate to align the engines end... Weak engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement faces and bushing! Collective jaws dropped the mount the.004 blade or uses frequently the strut hub with it place or! Or sinking the boat the StrutsYou can check the StrutsYou can check the StrutsYou can check the can. D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc third alignment all boats need to have very engine. Aligned Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler need to be winterized, motorized...
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