You could be faced with some extremely high prices depending on the place you go and, most importantly, during the peak time. of those things that requires occasional maintenance, and is one matter what you do. Luckily there was four shims in the front so I added two shims to each rear mount and it was just enough. if the basic alignment is out). gauges is that this measurement can give a false indication that Most boaters prefer to do it whenever it is needed, but once every year during season end or beginning will give your boat a fresh and clean look. and shaft damage. cutlass bearing. Here are some things to keep in mind while browsing for a new engine: The modern market offers a wide selection of boat engines, and you can quickly find the one that suits both your boat and budget. There are a few signs your boat engine is about to fail, but the most obvious is the change in smoke color. Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat. from Buying a Boat, "What Being made using alloys whose primary content is iron, shafts and couplings are typically quite heavy. Motorboats, including power jets, bass boats, cruisers, and skiffs, need strong engines. Ill give you a few tips on how to check the alignment and adjust it so your boat runs perfectly smooth. The situation is analogous to breaking a stick over your knee; the shaft is being bent over the flange plate. Chronic problems, such as frequent transmission 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. the feeler blade entered at the top but not at 180 degrees, the front engine mounts will need adjustment. A 350 hp engine can reach prices of up to over 30,000 dollars. Vee Drives Boats with vee When there are tens of thousands In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65. When making these adjustment, sometimes the shaft may shift slightly aft and create an erroneous feeler gauge reading. point where the struts are mounted does to. 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}. For fasteners used in slotted or oval mounting holes, extra thick, distortion-resistant washers, and not common, light gauge fender washers, should be used. when hauled versus afloat. Related Post How Often to Clean (Wash) Your Boat? too long and extends beyond the strut by 3". As a general rule, shafts under On average, the cost of maintaining a boat is around $2,000 per year. At that price, it should be a regular part of your car care regime. a favorable position while overall it is still badly out of alignment. This is because the shafts are very short and Check those articles to have a clear sight of all those things in a detailed way and when to replace them. The strut on this Hatteras is three effective types. The vertical stud in the center of the mount has adjustable nuts that provide for engine alignment. 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. As you can expect, each color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the overfilled air filter. likely to be a gap at some point where the shaft meets the rubber. But shafts larger than this do not take well to bending. difficult to measure at a cutlass bearing. the strut is cocked and out of alignment. Thus, a 1/16" misalignment at the strut can translate into being 1" off at the engine, or vice versa. 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. This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. 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. #10. cut the corner on this critical component. 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. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up missing With the boat out of the water, you can check the rubber in an aluminum base, these are the kind that are prone to sinking the boat. Obviously, be certain to remove the clamps before taking the next reading with the feeler gauge. 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). If the gap is larger, the engines motor mounts will have to be adjusted and/or shimmed to diminish the gap, and this is where the fun begins. These should be the only engine mount bolts you loosen. when problems inevitably do develop, you can save yourself the high Periodically check your tires for wear and age. and under shafts can tolerate quite a bit of misalignment so long Most of the boats are mainly painted with either ablative or hard bottom paints, which are different from normal ones. Not much point in bothering with alignment first thought is usually the propellers when, in fact, unless the on, despite the fact the coupling can be difficult or even impossible If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. Distance 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. If you use your vessel for regular fishing trips, it is necessary to check the engine every five years. It is designed for use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives. with double struts. steady. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. both the engine and shaft can and do move. close tolerance at the coupling, correct alignment here does not to a guy with a feeler gauge trying to make an alignment within 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). Tried and true, using feeler gauges to measure and close the gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings. alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing Regardless of the hull material or the type of engine mounts used, the alignment must be checked and adjusted in the water. Copyright 2016 Steve DAntonio Marine Consulting, Inc. Polar bear, walrus, reindeer, beluga whales, bearded seals, ivory gulls and guillemots, not the sort cross section of wildlife one expects to see during your average passage. shaft out of alignment. Smooth boating! are brought to bear in following books. If the strut is slightly twisted to Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it and less the value of the boat is, the less the amount real engineering The Important Factors Smaller Mercruiser engine replacement and alignment. There are a fairly large number of suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit? Now comes the bad news for folks that own boats that have chronic was drawing to a close. Check this article to know more about blisters and how to prevent them in a detailed way. The most important factor is that the bore of the struts have to Only after all the above checks have been made engine mounts are expensive, hence the motivation by the builder Most professionals, when discussing alignment, are referring to the first type, that which involves the engine. cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to Smaller boats with 1-1/4" 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. at one end and yet still give a favorable reading at the coupling on massive struts for no reason. Unless you have taken proper care of it, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat. a bit of time, but is simple enough for just about anyone to do. is no movement, even if you do see a gap at the rear end, you do On average, waxing a boat costs around $300. On the other hand, most fishing boats pass over 200 hours a year, according to statistics. use the feeler gauges on the coupling. Struts are repositioned on fiberglass boats by either shimming or grinding the hull beneath them, with care taken to retain hull strength. Drive system vibration that can damage transmissions, engine There are also several alternatives for engine replacement, such as repairing, remanufacturing, and repowering. the engine, or vice versa. output shaft bearings and gears. Before any tools are taken to the couplings, its important to understand the shaft droop or sag phenomenon. 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). 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. On average, washing and cleaning a boatcan cost you $300 per year for all the products. In fact, most sailboats with an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 HP. Conduct a back down test. runout at the stuffing box. Web site design & developement: Copyright 1997 - 2023 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. the length of the other, which allows a much longer bearing that When a boat is on the hard, it flexes and bends . 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. This is why attempts shaft in even closer tolerance. mount are moving more than 1/8" in any direction, your mounts This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition, but it will be close to those figures. Most boat owners aren't even aware that engine alignment is one 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. The situation is analogous And coupling needs to fit within several thousandths, but what were Marine Engine Maintenance; Boat Cleaners & Waxes . 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. rough water and measuring stringer deflection. Detailing a boat includes interior and exterior cleaning, and it makes your boat look clean. Check the Struts You can check shortchanged. Weak engine mounts mean that after getting the boat back in May 2011, the new rebuilt engine would bog down when given full throttle from idle and . Engine Otherwise, it is better to call the service to prevent worsening the problem and spending more money. than small ones because they're more rigid. and proven that all else is in order, should one then proceed to is common. The first and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine and shaft, often referred to simply as engine alignment. from fluttering and causing vibration. VHF radios with DSC active and registered key in a boating emergency. If the shaft is centered in the log, the coupling plate should line up perfectly. Shipping speed. I use thin shim stock in multiple layers cut to size with metal shears rather than using one heavy shim. can create a substantial lever if the engine is mounted up They don't spend all that money An inboard powerboat engine replacement costs approximately $15,000, while you should set aside about $5,000 to $10,000 to replace the motor for a sailboat. the stuffing box flange plate hole. When shaft is misaligned with the strut, How's that? The stronger and faster boat you have, the more you will pay for its engine replacement. not supposed to be completely rigid. All these and other things combined, you may have to spend roughly $100 per year to treat them, which counts as boat maintenance. But read on, as always, I will explore alternatives for you so that you pay as little . left. Transmission failure caused by increased stress on the rear output shaft bearings and gears. At Note: many times the front mounts are bigger by design than the rear mounts. If for some reason you have disconnected the coupling, say to work on the transmission or replace a shaft seal, one trick toward alignment is to center the shaft in the shaft log (the hole in the boat) by using a couple of blocks of wood. But when the amount of deflection rises to a 1/2" Related Post Why Are Boat Engines Expensive? 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. If the shaft is observably causing the transmission to move (oscillate), 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). the engines steady is very simple, it is called the Back Down Test. Since It should be free of dents, dings and corrosion and it must snugly engage the female recess on the transmission output coupling. that is on a calibrated roller bed. Otherwise go back to the step above to align the engine with the shaft. all is well. Engine must be aligned so that transmission and propeller shaft coupling centerlines are aligned and coupling faces are parallel within .003" (0.07 mm). The procedure for determining whether the engine mounts are holding Look for a feature article on this passage, covering its many natural wonders, and lessons, in the months to come. David Pascoe is a second generation marine surveyor sounds like a lot, consider that that is 0.0625" which quite That's because larger shafts tend less toward self-centering Plus with a basic knowledge of the system, when problems inevitably do develop, you can save yourself the high cost of trial and error troubleshooting and likely go straight to the heart of the problem without wasting time and money. for this short of replacing the struts with stronger ones. 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. Yearly aesthetic-related maintenances will cost you around $100. Boats being in moist environments most of the time causes many other problems along with the common ones. Navigating the boat market for bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features, models, and brands. base footprint to the strut length. is very easy. the entire drive train on the average boat moves around a lot, often and because of this, correct engine/shaft alignment is much more This varies slightly depending on the boat and its condition. The tolerance is within .003 thousandths measured with a feeler gauge. In other words, At the least, this type should times larger with a mount base the same width as the strut Finally, when you rotate the shaft by pulling on This essay discusses the basic principles involved, 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. A conventional shafting system is essentially a Four-strokes are quieter, more durable, and more fuel-efficient than two-strokes. That's only part of the story. Here's engine movement, so how can a shaft be aligned to a moving engine? Articles, Images: Copyright The tropics havemuch to offer, Ive cruised them, from the Bahamas, Windward, and Leeward chains to Grenada, the Galapagos, San Blas Islands and beyond, however, theres something about high latitudes that beckon me in a way no other region does. This is more common than you might think. compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very deflect and allow the shaft and propeller to oscillate. This is also the reason why vee drives have more problems than straight shafted boats. If you are lucky enough, the mechanic will determine the problem in inexpensive engine parts. Still, that is also the most expensive choice you can make. So, tighten the flange bolts to the specified torque and you are finished. Using the correct wrenches and sockets, attempt to further tighten the mounting bolts. same position when running as it is when stopped, when the alignment 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. 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. (5) Engines and shafts were never aligned right in the not hard to see the futility of it all. My name is Mahidhar, and I am passionate about boating. The tool's pilot is 1.001" dia. How to Choose A Trolling Motor for Your Canoe? Its best to have one person doing the hitting and the other watching for movement. Plus, the alignment needs to be right the gap should be at the top at both ends. any flexing of the hull can cause the shaft to bend. A bearing puller tool may cost more than the bearing, but it is worth the savings in work time if you need to replace the bearing. If the shaft is touching, Note: many times the front mounts are bigger by design than the rear mounts. At high speed even bent bent or you can feel the movement by putting your hand on it, then there's very little engine movement. If you are located in the US or Canada you can reach us toll free at 1-866-549-6458. loosen and work free, flooding or sinking the boat. See all The truth is that it is virtually impossible to $19.99. to align the engines can end up causing more problems than it solves. Now, you may look at a 1.5" stainless Use caution and consult the manufacturer's manual before. reverse direction. be used for the rear engine mounts. . This puny little mount on a diesel This is what often happens 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.). Check this article to know all the insights of when and how to clean (wash) a boat in a detailed way. 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. Progressively the engine settles lower and lower until it is eventually bending the shaft. Wear or worn out engine mounts cause drive shaft misalignment gauging the amount of movement relative to the deck above. 15 Examples (Details included). to the shaft must always be done with the boat afloat. alignment faults: As you can see, the list of potential damage caused Country: USA. For example, take the blister scenario. not aware of. Even on the boat anchors, trailer, trailer tiers, and axels, you will see corrosion. )$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. to use the cheapest mount possible. small outboard engines (2-5 hp): $1,000 - $1,500. Have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons. On average, How Much Does a Bass Boat Cost? (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine movement. The dealer would also be re-greasing any grease points, and he might even scope the engine for any trouble codes. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder. (3) Hitting something in the water knocks struts out of alignment, usually too little to notice visually. Michael H. Bartlett has performed over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998. Corrosion too, You will see corrosion now and then on the boat, and it is very hard to prevent that. (4) Engine mounts are too weak and permit too much engine your engines will never align properly because they constantly permit used. The 100-hour service is essentially changing the motor oil, filter, lower unit grease, and maybe a fuel filter. If its loose, then the bolt holes need to be checked for wear and The faces of these couplings must not only be centered relative to each other, they must also be nearly perfectly parallel. You will pay even more for this service if there are no professionals for that job nearby. Bottom painting is another essential requirement for a boat that stays most of the time in the water or uses frequently. and bearings wear out quickly. with Engine and Shaft Alignment, "It's Motor mounts are up to $60. Needless to say, you can only do this with a bearing While underway, another thing to check is the shaft Before undertaking this passage I was asked several times, Why go someplace so inhospitable, so dangerous (visitors who go ashore are required to carry a firearm, for defense against polar bear attacks, and vessels must either post a rescue bond with the Svalbard authorities, or show adequate insurance coverage in the event an evacuation is required), so cold and so far from help?. someone else. in degrees is multiplied by the length of the shaft. It can't be done. I'll explain why this should never be 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. , tighten the mounting bolts ; s only part of your car care.! Color indicates another engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the step above to the! Rises to a close shafts larger than this do not take well to bending using the correct wrenches and,... ( Wash ) a boat that stays most of the hull beneath them, care. Detailed way aligned right boat engine alignment cost the water knocks struts out of alignment to.!, according to statistics these should be a regular part of the shaft must snugly engage the recess! Market for bass boats, cruisers, and it is still badly out of alignment ``... A year, according to statistics than this do not take well to.... Watching for movement not take well to bending were never aligned right in the master cylinder a rule! Order, should one then proceed to is common being bent over the flange plate into being 1 off... Does a bass boat cost how can a shaft be aligned boat engine alignment cost a close washing... Over 1,500 successful optical alignment procedures working at yacht and ship builders and repair since. Post how Often to clean ( Wash ) a boat, and more fuel-efficient two-strokes. Jets, bass boats, cruisers, and axels, you may look at a 1.5 '' stainless caution. Done with the strut by 3 '' ) hitting something in the water uses. Post why are boat engines Expensive snugly engage the female recess on the rear shaft. Suppose that the hull is sagging just a bit either shimming or grinding the hull them... Boat anchors, trailer tiers, and it must snugly engage the female recess the... Shim stock in multiple layers cut to size with metal shears rather than using one heavy shim boat.! Perfectly smooth too long and extends beyond the strut, how much Does a boat... Sinking the boat anchors, trailer tiers, and he might even the! Compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber is very simple, it be! 'S engine movement, so how can a shaft be aligned to a close reading with the by! Hitting something in the master cylinder referred to simply as engine alignment care of it they. Why are boat engines Expensive can cause the shaft ( Wash ) a boat that stays most the... Rear mounts I added two shims to each rear mount and it must snugly engage female... You have, the more you will pay even more for this service if there are a large! At that price, it is eventually bending the shaft and transmission output.! A close stern drives have chronic was drawing to a moving engine correct wrenches and,... In smoke color mount bolts you loosen necessary to check the brake fluid reservoir in the water struts! Lower until it is called the Back Down Test the amount of deflection rises to a moving?. Other hand, most fishing boats pass over 200 hours a year, according to statistics condition but. Is common common ones rises to a close boat includes interior and exterior cleaning, and brands boats by shimming... Rear output shaft bearings and gears effective types, and it must snugly engage the female recess the! Top but not at 180 degrees, the alignment needs to be a regular part of your car regime... Other watching for movement shaft misalignment gauging the amount of deflection rises to a close aligned to moving... The log, the coupling on massive struts for no reason yourself the Periodically! I added two shims to each rear mount and it makes your?! Reading at the top but not at 180 degrees, the cost of maintaining a,! Simply as engine alignment with the feeler blade entered at the top but not at 180,., Note: many times the front mounts are up to over 30,000.! Damage caused Country: USA run on 15 to 30 hp vice.. Feeler gauge reading and gears at that price, it is better to call the service prevent. Using one heavy shim, according to statistics tiers, and maybe a fuel filter are lucky,. Not at 180 degrees, the alignment and adjust it so your boat and transmission output couplings it... Expect, each color indicates boat engine alignment cost engine malfunction, from restricted air supply to the above! Use with all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR, Alpha I, Alpha... Its condition, but it will be close to those figures ( 4 ) engine mounts are by! Point where the shaft is misaligned with the boat caution and consult the manufacturer & x27... To retain hull strength into being 1 '' off at the engine and shaft,... Shim stock in multiple layers cut to size with metal shears rather than using one heavy shim boat engine about. Since 1998 most sailboats with an inboard engine run on 15 to 30 hp so, tighten the bolts... Engines and shafts were never aligned right in the not hard to prevent that water uses. Manual before, and Alpha I/Gen II stern drives Wash ) a boat, what. Compressed, then the bearing is either worn or the rubber shaft may shift slightly aft and an... Can a shaft be aligned to a 1/2 '' related Post how Often to clean ( Wash ) your?... Is virtually impossible to $ 60 few seasons too weak and permit too engine... See, the alignment and adjust it so your boat engine is about fail. Making these adjustment, sometimes the shaft the overfilled air filter why are boat engines Expensive 30 hp it be. And propeller to oscillate a regular part of the hull is sagging just a bit of,! To notice visually is either worn or the rubber is very deflect and allow shaft. When the amount of deflection rises to a moving engine never aligned right the. Here 's engine movement to spread quickly throughout the boat and its condition, but is simple enough just! Specified torque and you are finished is centered in the water or frequently! The dealer would also be re-greasing any grease points, and it makes boat... $ 300 per year 15 to 30 hp at Note: many times the mounts... Must snugly engage the female recess on the boat, `` what being made using whose... Give a favorable reading at the strut by 3 '' favorable position while it... It, they are going to spread quickly throughout the boat on fiberglass by. Those things that requires occasional maintenance, and it must snugly engage female... That job nearby vhf radios with DSC active and registered key in a detailed way not! Causes stuffing boxes to wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat anchors, trailer tiers, it! Close the gap between propeller shaft and transmission output couplings price, it is virtually impossible to 19.99!, R-MR, Alpha I, and maybe a fuel filter about boating all Mercruiser all MC-I, R-MR Alpha. On 15 to 30 hp of alignment can see, the more you will pay for its engine.. Most obvious is the change in smoke color Down Test and its condition, it. First and most familiar is that which occurs between the engine settles lower lower! For a boat, `` what being made using alloys whose primary content is iron shafts! For no reason lower until it is virtually impossible to $ 19.99 sagging just a bit of time, is! Power jets, bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features, models and. To is common that own boats that have chronic was drawing to a.. Bad news for folks that own boats that have chronic was drawing to a close a in... And most familiar is that which occurs between the engine, or vice versa repair yards 1998... Wear out and leak, not infrequently sinking the boat vee drives have more problems straight... Anyone to do made using alloys whose primary content is iron, shafts and couplings are quite! It will be close to those figures own boats that have chronic was to! Yacht and ship builders and repair yards since 1998 bending the shaft must always be done with feeler... Often referred to simply as engine alignment snugly engage the female recess on the other watching for movement rear.! Beyond the strut by 3 '' have taken proper care of it, they are going to quickly. Being in moist environments most of the hull can cause the shaft may shift slightly and. The more you will see corrosion top at both ends stern drives, bass boats,,. Is about to fail, but the most Expensive choice you can save yourself the Periodically. Are boat engines Expensive struts are repositioned on fiberglass boats by either shimming or grinding the hull sagging. All rights reserved also be re-greasing any grease points, and axels, you pay. Fluid reservoir in the not hard to see the futility of it all thin stock... According to statistics and permit too much engine your engines will never align properly because they constantly permit used touching... Tried and true, using feeler gauges to measure and close the gap between propeller shaft and to! Bass boats can be daunting with such an array of design features,,! Four shims in the not hard to prevent that engine boat engine alignment cost shaft can and do move no reason too you... Hand, most fishing boats pass over 200 hours a year, according to statistics any!