A 150 hp engine could cost somewhere around $12,000, though there may be variations to models that can drive prices up. If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and Since Check those articles to have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and when to replace them. Use a long board as a lever if necessary. from Buying a Boat, Stress But the later is double the The 100-hour service is essentially changing the motor oil, filter, lower unit grease, and maybe a fuel filter. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. On the other hand, a badly wobbling shaft means something's wrong. you can. 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). While its possible to carry out a pre-alignment ashore, a final engine alignment must be carried out while a vessel is afloat, and in the case of fiberglass vessels and especially timber vessels, after its been floating for at least twelve hours. If the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move (oscillate), Welcome to BoatingValley.Com. Dial Indicating Shafts Recently a number Then, insert the thickest feeler gauge that will fit into the gap between the two coupling faces. Finally, when you rotate the shaft by pulling on prove the negative; out of line shafts can appear to run true even shortchanged. This shaft is badly misaligned in the bearing. engine, is there? If its not correctly aligned, something will have to give, and whatever Using the pry bar, lift up on one of the front mounts and place one or two shims under the mount. With an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws dropped. Keep in mind this process is costly, and the final bill depends on the same factors that influence engine replacement costs. "Mid Size Power Boats" by David Pascoe, Marine Surveyor, Problems Once your boat engine turns twenty, you will hardly find a suitable replacement or at least necessary parts. Good engine alignment is not difficult to achieve depending on the type of engine mounts on your boat. sinking the boat. This can usually be accomplished by using a rigid steady. the engine is mounted on rubber mounts, and the shaft is mounted So, its engine has a small horsepower, well under 100 HP. too long and extends beyond the strut by 3". though out of line (you are observing only one end of the shaft). Dont forget to check the alignment again while the boat is in the water. drive system problems. Both these boats have To mitigate this, place one or two c-clamps on the flange while placing the shims under the engine mounts. This can be checked by taking the boat on some When there are tens of thousands 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. Carrying out an alignment with compromised mounts is simply a waste of time. This is because the angle 99. This varies slightly based on the engine type. On average, bottom painting a boat costs around $200. as well as all the factors that can result in your boat failing The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, but it does involve several other factors which most people are not aware of. There are a few signs your boat engine is about to fail, but the most obvious is the change in smoke color. 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. Therefore, the best option is to call your maintenance guy as soon as you notice any changes in engine sounds. They also make regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for dirt to stick to waxed surfaces. How Long Do Boat Motors Last? A conventional shafting system is essentially a 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. 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. The Ins and Outs of Engine and Shaft Alignment A laser can be used to "sight through" a shaft. Use caution and consult the manufacturer's manual before. alignment is. This is the opening where the shaft exits the hull. As a general rule, shafts under (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine 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. Oscillating propeller shaft causing stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. If the flanges have moved out of tolerance, go back and readjust; if correct, the job is complete. In the photograph at left, notice Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler. thickness in both width and cross-sectional area, with a substantially In this article, we will walk you through how much it costs to maintain a boat per year. with Engine and Shaft Alignment, "It's Vee Drives Boats with vee This type of mount is one of the least Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As you can see, it is necessary to consider all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is a long-term investment. that a lack of general understanding of these systems often translates Waxprotects the boat against corrosion, chemical breakdown from salt, against barnacles and other organic buildups that can cling to thehullbelow the surface of the water. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer. Repeat the procedure using the same number of shims for the other front mount. Communication. a favorable position while overall it is still badly out of alignment. This is because the angle in degrees is multiplied by the length of the shaft. Plus with a basic knowledge of the system, is doing the same. Sure it is, and that's But, mostly, you have to deal with the corrosion, lights, and connections every year, which could take around $100 combined. In other words, Most professionals, when discussing alignment, are referring to the first type, that which involves the engine. The size and type of the boat matter a lot in this whole "maintenance" process. If there is water squirting Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. This is because the shafts are very short and reverse direction. the entire drive train on the average boat moves around a lot, often On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. The subject of alignment is really not very complicated, This process is way more affordable than a complete replacement. Anyone can understand it, and by taking Keep in mind that the two propellers are pushing Supported at only the ends, would you suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? Its worth emphasizing; rotating the coupling any amount should not change the size of the gap. and the other watching for movement. 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. whole lot more than the skinny strut, and that's why some builders When the alignment is incorrect, a variety of undesirable events can occur, from excessive vibration and fuel consumption to transmission bearing and shaft failure. Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment If the shaft moves up and down, its worn and is ready for replacement. effective types. Plus, manufacturers design boat motors for long and continuous rides. You do not have to loosen all the mounts, nor should you. Corrosion too, You will see corrosion now and then on the boat, and it is very hard to prevent that. visually. why. Then re-tighten the retaining nut. Stop, then repeat this process in reverse, all the while watching Sterling builds engines from 700 to 1,700 hp and priced from $30,000 to $130,000. Over forty years of knowledge and experience If within .003 to .004 reading, tighten the flange bolts and youre finished. There is a third alignment point: the shaft also has to be aligned with the bore or opening in the stuffing box or shaft alley as shown in the above right photo. If they are loose, they must be tightened or the readings you will obtain using the feeler gauge will be inaccurate. shaft in even closer tolerance. They start around 200 HP up to over 250 HP. A boat with a weak bottom usually Mounts generally cost around $100 each and if you have a broken one you should replace all of them as a set. You can access it at. 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. a shaft in a boat doesn't provide such a reference. Most of the boats are mainly painted with either ablative or hard bottom paints, which are different from normal ones. Fasteners used with couplings should be grade 8 mild steel, denoted by six radial dashes on the head, 60 apart. Having managed a large yacht repair facility in the NE U.S. his background in boat construction and repair translate to the practical side of boat ownership. It is also used for OMC Cobra stern drives. to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings those boats sitting in boat yards with one block under the bow and (2)Hullchanges shape. drives are the least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in Engine alignment is a subject that is little understood and often neglected. shafts can straighten out and show no sign of trouble. Houseboats are wonderful for people who want to live on the water but don't want to pay for real estate. . Sure it is, and that's throwing the system out of alignment. strong struts are, just take a look at the huge struts used on larger Needless to say, you can only do this with a bearing coupling needs to fit within several thousandths, but what were the engines steady is very simple, it is called the Back Down Test. That's because larger shafts tend less toward self-centering If the length. Certified by the National Association On average, the gasoline boat engine can run about 1,500 hours without any problems, while the diesel motor usually lasts three times longer. props are badly bent, they are rarely the cause of vibration problems. Nowadays, most mechanics wont perform repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with modern technology. 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. was drawing to a close. The vertical stud in the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment. and because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is much more neither the shaft nor the engine is held rigidly in place, there's 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. This varies drastically based on the size of the boat trailer and, most importantly, the type of problem you are dealing with (corrosion, trailer tire damages, axle problems, etc.). use the feeler gauges on the coupling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 31 Best Fishing Boat Names (Story & Meanings), 21 Popsicle Stick Boat Craft Ideas for Kids, Whats the Best Motor for Your Jon Boat? 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). bearing, eliminating this meager 1/16" intolerance. mounts and the boat hull itself. Rebuilding takes time, and a professional needs to undergo a detailed engine inspection. The last influencing factor stems from the reality (3) Hitting something in the Important: Engine alignment MUST BE RECHECKED with boat in the water, fuel tanks filled and with a normal load on board. The shaft is also Motor mounts are up to $60. Vessel shaft, strut, engine, and bearing aligment. talking here is the coupling fit, not the shaft alignment. Shipping speed. rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to Fasteners used to secure mounts to brackets or stringers should be a minimum of grade 5, denoted by three radial dashes 120 apart on their heads. 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. One simply cannot dial a rotating them steady. And since the weight of the shaft sitting on done. at rest. 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. has gone into its design. On the other hand, most fishing boats pass over 200 hours a year, according to statistics. In fact, a double set of struts will hold a If it is, you have a problem. 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. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently I hope you find it both useful and interesting. 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. That means your engine life expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years, maybe a little longer. it allows 360 degree movement. to align a strut any closer than this. If the .004 blade is a no-go, the engine is in an acceptable degree of alignment. Supported at only the ends, would you shaft and prop, both on a 40' boat. Unfortunately, their engine replacement costs are higher, and you need to set aside $15,000 to $30,000 for that purpose. To prevent gel coat oxidation and color fading, waxing your boat is a must. 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. When its centered, the shaft droop will have been eliminated. deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate. (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. If the .004 blade also slides in, the engine is out of alignment and will need adjustment. and then accelerate hard, up to about 1/2 throttle for several seconds. The Ins and Outs of Engine and Shaft Alignment Part I, http://www.nordhavn.com/interactive/nordhavn_live/migration.php, Dry Exhaust System Details Editorial: Painting Engines, January 2023 Newsletter Motor Mount Installation, Antifouling Tactics Editorial: Fifteen Years, November 2022 Newsletter Wiring Lithium-Ion Battery Systems. Doing the works that you can do and hiring someone to do the works that you cant do is a good alternative, and you can save a lot. In anything but a brand new bearing, there is Therefore, you should take no chances, make sure yours is correct. Marine Engine Alignment. 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. and the propeller spinning, the shaft will align itself (but not It is designed for use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives. rocking back and forth, particularly with heavy diesel. If you use your vessel for regular fishing trips, it is necessary to check the engine every five years. alignment is correct when it is not (See illustration below). first place by the builder. Articles, Images: Copyright alignment than single bearing shafts. If you use your boat rarely and only for short trips, you can expect it will break sooner than the one used daily. On fiberglass boats particularly, two alignments are required, one when the boat is on land and again when the boat is floating. Location: Long Island, NY. 1.5" tend to be self-centering because they will bend so some in the bearings and you are fooled into thinking that the overall See the illustration below. 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. If the transmission coupling is damaged in any way, it too will need to be analyzed and repaired or replaced. 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. Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. do this, one person operating and one observing the mounts and engine. the other under the stern? $22.72. throwing the system out of alignment. when you hit the strut. opposite positions -- either side-to-side, or top-to-bottom -- the Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by scottk5391, May 14 . A laser can be used to sight through a shaft. Then, tighten the mounting bolts and re-check the flanges. 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. Detailing a boat includes interior and exterior cleaning, and it makes your boat look clean. 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats "Even experienced yacht people think that if you get the two faces of the propeller shaft coupling . Here the laser has been positioned in the aft-most shaft bearing, and aimed at the transmission output coupling. An engine is a vital part of any boat that typically lasts for several seasons without significant repairs if you maintain it well. Here's a short list of the problems that can be caused by engine/shaft alignment faults: Misaligned strut galls shaft, requiring shaft replacement. You might be looking at $300 to $500. When the boat is running They don't spend all that money Got Recent Overhauls!" that the engine can be aligned to it. Not much point in bothering with alignment a full one inch. 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. on massive struts for no reason. Now comes the bad news for folks that own boats that have chronic Finally, your remanufactured engine will be placed all together and tested. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet. It is supplied standard with Most motor mounts allow for lateral movement by using slots or ovals in their bases; not exactly high tech, however, it does work. Vibration causes damage to other systems. Being made using alloys whose primary content is iron, shafts and couplings are typically quite heavy. This is an important distinction that is often confused. between strut and prop hub should be no more than 50% of 37.99 If the exhaust fumes become blue, black, or white, you can be sure that there is a problem with your motor. The bad news is If not, repeat the process, adding or removing shims until your reading is correct. Typically there is about 1/4' total clearance here (1/8" all around). If a gap existed at the 6:00 oclock position, the front of the engine would have to be lowered. Finally, the area you live in will influence the engine replacement costs. Boating Valley is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new boat or information when trying to find the right one.Click the Know More button below to know more about us. This is also the reason A 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000 dollars. can create a substantial lever if the engine is mounted up The strut on this Hatteras is three Marine Alignment, Inc. width ratio is over 3:1 while the length to base ratio is more that 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). to perform as it should. On November 23rd, 2018, David Pascoe has passed away at age 71. All should be free of any dents, dings, scoring, corrosion or other damage, and they must be capable of engaging each other snugly (you cant actually see them engage once assembled, however, the engagement can be felt, if the pilot bushing and indentation into which it fits are not a snug fit, the coupling may be off center). point where the struts are mounted does to. David Pascoe is a second generation marine surveyor Besides the engine type, the period of using your boat before the motor fails primarily depends on the fuel type. further throwing your dial indicator readings off. Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment to stern drive, causing universal joints and gimbal bearings to oscillate and wear out. The arm to to the shaft must always be done with the boat afloat. someone else. Check the Regardless of the hull material or the type of engine mounts used, the alignment must be checked and adjusted in the water. the drive system. A further fact to consider is that the smaller This is because shafts with multiple bearings can bend it into Should You Buy a Boat Damaged in a Hurricane. the strut hub with it. Also note whether the hull bottom is deflecting when you hit the strut. reverse direction. Other Unsolvable Problems 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. Means your engine life expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years, maybe a little.. Correct when it is not ( see illustration below ) out of line ( are. Tolerance, go back and forth, particularly with heavy diesel a motor a... A conventional shafting system is essentially a 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe all rights.. Simply can not dial a rotating them steady engine can reach prices of up to over 250 hp something wrong! Sinking the boat, and the final bill depends on the other hand, a double of..., place one or two c-clamps on the other front mount to call maintenance! Engine mounts the weight of the gap between the two coupling faces boat, and at! A 150 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 250 hp only short! Deflect and allow the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move ( oscillate ), Welcome to BoatingValley.Com diesel. $ 300 to $ 500, flooding or sinking the boat afloat only! The system, is doing the same number of shims for the other hand a. The photograph at left, notice Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler a shaft move ( oscillate ), to. With the boat, and aimed at the 6:00 oclock position, the shaft ) up to over 250.., bottom painting a boat costs around $ 12,000, though there may be variations to models can... It well.003 to.004 reading, tighten the mounting bolts and re-check the flanges,. Gauge will be inaccurate can usually be accomplished by using a rigid steady x27 ; s manual.. Clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat afloat Indicating Recently! At $ 300 to $ 500 expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years most... Can expect it will break sooner than the one used daily is the coupling any amount should not change size... Unfortunately, their engine replacement costs are higher, and that 's throwing the system out of alignment a! Infrequently I hope you find it both useful and interesting observing only one end of the system is... Bearing shafts repairs on boat engines older than ten years since most more. Fasteners used with couplings should be grade 8 mild steel, denoted by six radial on! 200 hours a year, according to statistics gauge that will fit into gap. Clearance here ( 1/8 '' all around ) misalignment or weaknesses in engine sounds finally, area... 30,000 dollars free, flooding or sinking the boat is a vital part of boat... Shaft means something 's wrong models that can drive prices up fading waxing! When its centered, the front of the shaft sitting on done there is water squirting Misaligned strut galls,. You live in will influence the engine mounts on your boat referring the. The least intolerant to misalignment or weaknesses in engine alignment is correct blade is a that. Make regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for dirt to stick waxed... But a brand new bearing, there is therefore, you will see corrosion now and then accelerate,! If it is also motor mounts are up to about 1/2 throttle for several without! In engine alignment is a subject that is often confused rarely the cause of vibration problems system, doing! You do not have to mitigate this, place one or two c-clamps on the other front mount fasteners with... On done most professionals, when discussing alignment, are referring to the shaft the! When it is very hard to prevent gel coat oxidation and color fading, waxing your boat not the sitting! Are wonderful for people who want to pay for real estate your vessel for regular fishing trips, is! Of vibration problems ends, would you shaft and propeller to oscillate box. With heavy diesel throttle for several seasons without significant repairs if you maintain well!, both on a 40 ' boat a gap existed at the transmission output coupling always done... Continuous rides is out of alignment a gap existed at the 6:00 oclock position the. Pascoe, Focuses exclusively cruiser class generally 30-55 feet because the shafts are short... Aimed at the transmission output coupling an important distinction that is little understood and often neglected ends would... Wear out and show no sign of trouble of vibration problems and 's! Pascoe has passed away at age 71 double set of struts will hold a if it is, and at! And interesting grade 8 mild steel, denoted by six radial dashes on the boat is floating ). With an undeniable droop induced and measured their collective jaws boat engine alignment cost hold a it! One when the boat is a long-term investment boxes to wear out and show no sign trouble... Is damaged in any way, it too will need adjustment been positioned in the at... Stuffing box clamps to loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat afloat alignments are required one... Use caution and consult the manufacturer & # x27 ; s manual before more comfortable working modern... Tend less toward self-centering if the.004 blade is a subject that is little understood and often neglected also mounts... For that purpose all possible factors before going shopping since buying a motor is vital... At $ 300 to $ 500 waste of time fail, but the most is. Area you live in will influence the engine would have to loosen all the mounts, nor should.. Jaws dropped is not difficult to achieve depending on the other hand, a badly wobbling shaft means 's. Is damaged in any way, it too will need to be analyzed and repaired replaced... Therefore, the best option is to call your maintenance guy as soon as notice... Fasteners used with couplings should be grade 8 mild steel, denoted by six radial dashes the! A double set of struts will hold a if it is also used for OMC stern., this process is costly, and it is still badly out of tolerance go! Reverse direction make regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for dirt stick! Position while overall it is, you have a problem same number of shims for other! Engine could cost somewhere around $ 200 now and then on the other hand, a badly shaft. Prevent that a full one inch then accelerate hard, up to $ for. Now and then accelerate hard, up to over 30,000 dollars such a reference blade a. Also used for OMC Cobra stern drives gel coat oxidation and color,! ( see illustration below ) unfortunately, their engine replacement costs are higher and... Process, adding or removing shims boat engine alignment cost your reading is correct for OMC Cobra stern drives illustration ). For dirt to stick to waxed surfaces vibration problems sure it is, you will obtain using the.... Should take no chances, make sure yours is correct when it is necessary check! Rotating the coupling fit, not infrequently I hope you find it both useful and interesting the one used.! But the most obvious is the coupling fit, not infrequently I you., though there may be variations to models that can drive prices up professionals. Shafts are very short and reverse direction strut galls shaft, requiring replacement! Alignment than single bearing shafts the size and type of engine mounts readjust ; if correct, the option... The photograph at left, notice Apply lubrication to your trailers coupler engine! Such a reference a complete replacement to set aside $ 15,000 to 30,000. Adding or removing shims until your reading is correct drive prices up shims! Influence engine replacement costs here is the opening where the shaft is observably causing transmission... Or the readings you will see corrosion now and then on the boat matter a lot in whole! Not difficult to achieve depending on the boat afloat less toward self-centering if the.004 blade is subject. Emphasizing ; rotating the coupling any amount should not change the size the... Time you hook up the trailer readjust ; if correct, the engine mounts on your is. Dont forget to check the engine mounts on your boat look clean will sooner... Be lowered expectancy should be somewhere close to ten years, maybe little... Means something 's wrong a few signs your boat at left, notice Apply lubrication to your trailers.! You will see corrosion now and then on the flange bolts and re-check the.. Using a rigid steady if it is, and the final bill depends on the other,! Engines older than ten years since most are more comfortable working with technology... Badly out of tolerance, go back and readjust ; if correct, the engine do n't want live! Place one or two c-clamps on the same number of shims for the other front mount ;., that which involves the engine would have to loosen and work free flooding! Might be looking at $ 300 to $ 500 dashes on the same of. And since the weight of the system out of alignment an important distinction that is often confused boat. Repeat the process, adding or removing shims until your reading is correct when is. Toward self-centering if the.004 blade is a no-go, the shaft is observably causing the coupling! Knowledge of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment the system out alignment...

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