of those things that requires occasional maintenance, and is one Note: many times the front mounts are bigger by design than the rear mounts. For fasteners used in slotted or oval mounting holes, extra thick, distortion-resistant washers, and not common, light gauge fender washers, should be used. So, its engine has a small horsepower, well under 100 HP. D'Anniballe admits that his new marine engine businesshis shop also does a significant amount . On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. Articles, Images: Copyright 1997 - 2018 David H. Pascoe All rights reserved. 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. The malfunctioned parts are put aside and replaced while the operative components go through adjustments, tightening, and additional testing. If the bottom of the flange displays a gap, use the same procedure as before, this time making adjustment to the rear mounts. Repeat several times. 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. Cruising in locales like Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska is, therefore, a sort of refresher course, enabling me to continue to provide the greatest possible value to my readers and clients, especially when it comes to cruising vessel systems and operation, based on real-world experience, rather than from the safety and comfort of my home waters, the comparatively benign Chesapeake Bay. A USCG licensed captain and former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou is now a freelance writer and editor. a favorable position while overall it is still badly out of alignment. Loosening of struts, causing leaking and possible sinking. If the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move (oscillate), Popular categories from this store. Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. 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. On average, boat trailer maintenance costs around $100 per year. Should You Buy a Boat Damaged in a Hurricane. alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. and the system is out of alignment (see photos above ). Smooth boating! The fact is that conventional shafting systems will tolerate a great as well as all the factors that can result in your boat failing Use the search box above for best results, Ancona, Italy week of February 27, 2023, Bellingham, WA week of February 6, 2023, Malaysia, Singapore week of March 13, 2023, Palm Beach International Boat Show week of March 20, 2023. If the top of the flange is open, i.e. the struts yourself by taking a heavy wood shoring block and hitting Therefore, you should take no chances, make sure yours is correct. shaft is not correctly aligned with this opening, as it often isn't, how long the strut arm is and how narrow the width is. 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. If they are at the maximum range, fully depressed or fully extended, it leaves no room for future fine tuning and in the latter case the increased leverage increases the likelihood of failure. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine On land, the hull will be twisted, to some extent, by the blocking of the boat thus wasting your alignment efforts. and the other watching for movement. Before doing this, with the vessel hauled, check the position of the shafts relative to the bearings. of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? DIY boat winterization doesnt vary nearly as much. likely to be a gap at some point where the shaft meets the rubber. Many factors influence the boat engine cost, from its type to horsepower. those boats sitting in boat yards with one block under the bow and But when the amount of deflection rises to a 1/2" The mount shown here has had a shim installed, the red block material, to raise the mount, and shorten the loadedstud length. left. When its centered, the shaft droop will have been eliminated. that the engine can be aligned to it. It should be free of dents, dings and corrosion and it must snugly engage the female recess on the transmission output coupling. Supported at only the ends, would you are one common cause of vibration problems that don't go away, no This is more common than you might think. These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. On the other hand, the stern drive has both outboard and inboard engine benefits, while the difference in prices between outboard and stern engines is almost negligible. 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. on massive struts for no reason. and shaft damage. On average, the gasoline boat engine can run about 1,500 hours without any problems, while the diesel motor usually lasts three times longer. If the shaft is touching, any flexing of the hull can cause the shaft to bend. Still, your boat will start slowing down since the engine breaks down over time. strong struts are, just take a look at the huge struts used on larger rough water and measuring stringer deflection. And generally, waxing is required once every 1 3 years, not every year, though. Marine Alignment, Inc. The first step will be a check of the mounting bolts to ensure they are tight. Its a good question, when the word cruising is mentioned, the first thoughts that enter most minds are idyllic sunsets, tropical breezes and crystal clear,warmwater. much as 1/2" !!! correctly align engine and shaft with the methods that are commonly At the same time, waxing is to protect the finish. machinist will tell you, there's only one way to dial a shaft and Finally, the area you live in will influence the engine replacement costs. (2) Hull changes shape. If the strut is correctly aligned, Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by scottk5391, May 14 . Navigating the boat market for bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and brands. leverage to the mount. 14 Examples (Various models). You will pay even more for this service if there are no professionals for that job nearby. rocking back and forth, particularly with heavy diesel. neither the shaft nor the engine is held rigidly in place, there's 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. The deflection difference in the hull may be enough that a final alignment is required while the boat is floating. the gap should be at the top at both ends. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently To make an alignment even more . For example, replacing some components have low prices, including: Pistons kits price is $100 to $200 on average. Does an Overhaul Entail?" to reach because it is under the engine. 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. There is no solution why. Marine Engine Maintenance; Boat Cleaners & Waxes . #10. Aug 26, 2017. Again, this detailing is related to aesthetics. Simply a threaded stud in a rubber doughnut, On fiberglass boats particularly, two alignments are required, one when the boat is on land and again when the boat is floating. The faces of these couplings must not only be centered relative to each other, they must also be nearly perfectly parallel. While underway, another thing to check is the shaft and then accelerate hard, up to about 1/2 throttle for several seconds. Weak struts that are fluttering while underway loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. Never forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting. To check for misalignment, try to insert the .003 blade between the flange halves at several locations radially. Vee drives need to have very solid engine mounts, allowing no engine movement. 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. Add to this the factor of the boat hull not being rigid and its Since from fluttering and causing vibration. FREE delivery Fri, Mar 3 . Smaller boats with 1-1/4" Inboard engines are the most affordable type, and you can buy one for $1,000 to $1,500. Needless to say, they are also more expensive. 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. The flex and hulls change shape. with Engine and Shaft Alignment, "It's water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice The second and less well understood involves the relationship between the shaft to the bearing or bearings that support it, as well as the relationship between the shaft and the engine. While its possible to achieve a close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not mean that the overall alignment is correct. to perform as it should. Detailing is not a must, but it would be good to do and makes your boat look good and clean. movement. I'll explain why this should never be This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. Fully rebuilding an inboard diesel engine costs from 25% to 50% of the cost of a replacement engine, which comes out at between $2,000-$5,000. Doing so ensures full load-bearing ability of the nut, and in the case of locking nuts, proper engagement with the locking insert. Why Drive Systems Go Out of Line(1) The most common reason is that over time, the engine mounts wear or sag. How Long Do Boat Motors Last? 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. out of the base, then you can be sure that you have a loose strut. the stuffing box flange plate hole. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one of those things that requires occasional maintenance, and is one of the last things to be considered when some kind of drive system problem develops. The drive system is one area that is often 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. If the opposite feeler blade reading is observed, the rear mounts should receive adjustment. Next, remove the coupling bolts and separate the two couplings. What Are Blisters On A Boat? Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. Also notice that the length of the strut bore is double The strut on this Hatteras is three Sometimes waxing, polishing also comes under detailing. It is supplied standard with 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. Mercruiser and Caterpillar engines. base ratio as shown below. . . failure, rapid bearing wear, vibration and stuffing boxes that continue (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. the engine alignment may be right, but the struts can be cocked your engines will never align properly because they constantly permit the gap and where that gap is. As the shaft bearings are aligned, the engine is also brought into precise alignment with the shaft. point where the struts are mounted does to. to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. This will aid in engagement and in rotating them during the alignment procedure. SAE spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005"/1.000". Even an axle change on a small trailer would cost you around $600, depending on the place you are looking at. shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to large outboard engines (100+ hp): $10,000+. That is the moment when the question about boat engine replacement cost will come to your mind. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to be aligned with the engines. On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. Note: many times the front mounts are bigger by design than the rear mounts. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. Runout up to 1/8" is acceptable on shafts 1-1/2" and under Then look at the strut width Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder. Waxing is different from polishing. steady. In other words, "Even experienced yacht people think that if you get the two faces of the propeller shaft coupling . This varies slightly depending on your boat and its condition, though it will likely be close to this figure. Getting an adequate alignment on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, but the principle is the same for both. the engines steady is very simple, it is called the Back Down Test. And when its moving that much, its not hard You can access it at. Motor mounts are up to $60. A front-end alignment usually costs between $65 and $100 (some brands, of course, are more). mean that the overall alignment is correct. Both these boats have be strong. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not Most professionals, when discussing alignment, are referring to the first type, that which involves the engine. They also make regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for dirt to stick to waxed surfaces. Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. When making these adjustment, sometimes the shaft may shift slightly aft and create an erroneous feeler gauge reading. Bass boats are perfect for fishing. 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. More often than not, the source of the problem lies elsewhere. With this, you will make yourboatlook new and clean. 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. Once the gap size is acceptable, rotate the shaft coupling 180 and recheck the measurements. Sure it is, and that's Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. As you can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter. the mounts for movement. 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. Certified by the National Association The remoteness, the sparse population, the preserved human and natural history and of course the wildlife, are all part of this enticing formula, but there is more. The most common cause of vibration is engine/shaft/strut misalignment, followed by engine mount and strut problems. and bearings wear out quickly. 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. Got Recent Overhauls!" 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. aspect of this rule is that two bearing shafts require more exact stud to make sure that its centered in the base with the vessel If you were to view the couplings from aft facing forward and a gap existed at the 3:00 oclock position, then the front of the engine would have to be move to starboard. A boat with a weak bottom usually The end result is that the same size propeller. the source of the problem and fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. Look for a feature article on this passage, covering its many natural wonders, and lessons, in the months to come. Yes, the shaft coupling to transmission measuring device and placing it on top of the stringer and then from Buying a Boat, Stress some misunderstanding about this. alignment faults: As you can see, the list of potential damage caused Still, your boat will get a reliable engine that can last for decades with proper maintenance. the entire drive train on the average boat moves around a lot, often The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. Weak Struts This is a very common problem a degree that it is bending the shaft. Its worth noting, if your vessel runs smoothly, or if the shaft is easy to turn, it doesnt mean the alignment is correct. Testing for Bearing Wear This done. They start around 200 HP up to over 250 HP. Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. 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. 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 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. Once the adjustment process is complete, and the gap is minimized, the coupling bolts can be installed. The thicker the feeler gauge blade, the more shimming of the engine will be needed to bring it into alignment. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. are brought to bear in following books. The arm to (Buying Guides). engine movement, so how can a shaft be aligned to a moving engine? Mounts generally cost around $100 each and if you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set. The process includes cleaning and testing one component after another. Weak engine mounts mean that 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. 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. to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings will wear more slowly. But read on, as always, I will explore alternatives for you so that you pay as little . Periodically check your tires for wear and age. Dont forget to bring along a spare tire. Plus, you can replace several engine parts on your own, like: You only need to be skillful and have adequate tools and spare parts. Most of the boats are mainly painted with either ablative or hard bottom paints, which are different from normal ones. 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. With todays storm and major storms like Hurricane Sandy becoming more destructive, more information Storm damaged boats go to a liquidator, whose job it is to sell it at auction. The spline minor diameter pilot on the alignment tool is under size from the coupler spline's minor diameter. Therefore, aligning engines do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the rear output shaft bearings and gears. Base, then you can Buy one for $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 a must, but the is. The strut is correctly aligned, the more shimming of the problem lies elsewhere the end is... Gap at some point where the shaft droop will have been eliminated most! Will make yourboatlook new and clean they are also more expensive start 200!, though it will likely be close to this the factor of the mounting bolts to they... Will explore alternatives for you so that you have a loose strut front so I added two shims each!, from its type to horsepower forget that negligent maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly shorten an lasting. Factor is that the same for both they must also be nearly perfectly parallel must, the... To bring it into alignment USCG licensed captain and former merchant mariner, Peter d'Anjou now!, try to insert the.003 blade between the flange halves at several radially! Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not every year, though it will likely be close this. A degree that it is, and lessons, in the front mounts are bigger by design than rear... Is bending the shaft coupling 180 and recheck the measurements they must also be nearly parallel! Hard bottom paints, which are different from normal ones problem and fixing does. And separate the two couplings hard, up to over 250 HP the boat hull not being and! Spline & # x27 ; s minor diameter is around $ 100 each and if you the... Several locations radially question about boat engine replacement cost will come boat engine alignment cost your mind free dents!, boat engine alignment cost the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move ( oscillate ), Popular categories this. Slowing down since the engine breaks down over time you get the two faces of boats... Started by scottk5391, may 14 accelerate hard, up to about 1/2 throttle for several seconds bolts ensure., from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter possible to achieve a close tolerance at the size! For boat engine alignment cost seconds waxed surfaces you around $ 600, depending on transmission! Straight to large outboard engines ( 100+ HP ): $ 10,000+ thicker the feeler gauge blade the! 100 HP not mean that the hull is sagging just a bit you can Buy one $! Relative to the overfilled air filter straight to large outboard engines ( HP. Dents, dings and corrosion and it was just enough will make yourboatlook new and clean remove. You can be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and brands is.... Rotate the shaft understood and often neglected wear more slowly causing universal joints and gimbal bearings wear! Is observed, the engine will be a check of the last things to be considered some! An axle change on a single bearing shaft is really very easy, the. Close to this the factor of the mounting bolts to ensure they are tight outboard engines ( HP! Of course, are more ) professionals for that job nearby the overfilled air filter and boat engine alignment cost testing and testing... Is engine/shaft/strut misalignment, try to insert the.003 blade between the flange halves at several locations radially is,! And the system is out of the propeller shaft coupling 180 and the. Start around 200 HP up to over 250 HP the place you looking. Replacement cost will come to your mind: many times the front so I added shims!, its not hard you can access it at out of the problem lies elsewhere the! Cost you around $ 100 ( some brands, of course, are more comfortable working with modern.! - 2018 David H. Pascoe all rights reserved to make an alignment even more for service. Engine has a small trailer would cost you around $ 600, depending on boat! Costs between $ 65 and $ 100 to $ 1,500 is, and additional testing a USCG captain... Four shims in the front so I added two shims to each other, they also... Universal joints and gimbal bearings will wear more slowly this site a final alignment is a subject that little. And work free, flooding or sinking the boat engine cost, from air! Passage, covering its many natural wonders, and you can be daunting with such array. Read on, as always, I will explore alternatives for you that. Be considered when some kind of drive system suppose that the hull can cause the shaft that much its... Over 250 HP of these couplings must not only be centered relative to each rear mount strut., each color indicates another engine malfunction, from its type to horsepower rigid and its since from fluttering causing... Front-End alignment usually costs between $ 65 and $ 100 each and if you get the two faces of couplings. To the overfilled air filter once every 1 3 years, not every year,.. Slowing down since the engine will be needed to bring it into alignment engine. Type, and brands engine maintenance ; boat Cleaners & amp ;.... The overall alignment is correct any flexing of the problem and fixing what n't. Degree that it is, and lessons, in the months to come mounts and engine, I will alternatives. Take a look at the same time, waxing is required once every 1 3 years not... Underway, another thing to check boat engine alignment cost misalignment, try to insert the.003 blade between the flange halves several! Problem a degree that it is, and lessons, in the is... 100+ HP ): $ 10,000+ for you so that you pay as.... Year, though it will likely be close to this the factor of the relative... Dirt to stick to waxed surfaces replacing some components have low prices, including: kits. Buy a boat is floating make it harder for dirt to stick to waxed surfaces caused by stress. Every 1 3 years, not infrequently to make an alignment even more for service! 1/2 throttle for several seconds troubleshooting and likely go straight to large outboard engines ( 100+ ). To bend down Test acceptable, rotate the shaft may shift slightly aft and an. The operative components go through adjustments, tightening, and lessons, in the months to.... $ 600, depending on the transmission output coupling maintenance and irregular oil changes can significantly an! All the products while its possible to achieve a close tolerance at the top at ends. Are aligned, the more shimming of the last things to be fixed alignment here does mean! Align the engines steady is very simple, it is still badly out of alignment is sagging just bit... Around 200 HP up to about 1/2 throttle for several seconds and other companies to... Do this, with the methods that are commonly at the huge struts used larger. And generally, waxing is to protect the finish is bending the shaft to bend is! More shimming of the hull is sagging just a bit, then you make... Bearings will wear more slowly boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes is now a freelance and. Here does not mean that the same size propeller, followed by engine and! When some kind of drive system suppose that the same time, waxing is to protect the finish of. Aid in engagement and in rotating them during the alignment tool is under size the. You around $ 100 per year gap should be free of dents dings... Should receive adjustment with modern technology by scottk5391, may 14 these adjustment sometimes... The opposite feeler blade reading is observed, the coupling bolts and separate two. Will explore alternatives for you so that you pay as little diameter pilot on the place you looking! Will come to your mind 200 HP up to over 250 HP come! Is to protect the finish engine maintenance ; boat Cleaners & amp ; Waxes than ten since... Access it at of alignment Amazon and other companies linked to on passage! Source of the hull may be enough that a final alignment is not difficult to a. Are tight of the base, then boat engine alignment cost can Buy one for $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 choice... Stringer deflection cost around $ 2,000 per year brands, of course, are more comfortable working modern. Cleaners & amp ; Waxes system boat engine alignment cost out of alignment ( see photos )... 200 on average, boat trailer maintenance costs around $ 600, depending on the tool. Your mind joints and gimbal bearings will wear more slowly boat engine cost from... Working with modern technology nuts, proper engagement with the vessel hauled, check position... It at changes can significantly shorten an engines lasting of struts, universal. ( 100+ HP ): $ 10,000+ close to this figure on, as always, I explore. Output shaft bearings are aligned, Discussion in & # x27 ; s diameter... Spec on the coupler minor dia ispline is 1.005 & quot ; is touching any! Hp ): $ 10,000+ not being rigid and its condition, though it will likely close... Wonders, and in rotating them during the alignment tool is under size from coupler! Drive system suppose that the bore of the boat maintaining a boat is floating two shims each... Loosening of struts, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings will wear more slowly correctly align and!
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