Alignment Poll

Chris,
I only had to adjust the 89 once when I first got it. When I checked it almost annually nothing had changed still within .003 limit. Always considered that was an indication that my stringers were fine. With the large surface area under the engine cradle it would take quite a bit of rot to have an effect though.

The 98 Sport was spot on when I checked it straight after it arrived in Australia. The prop took quite a few hits last season. When I did some prop reshaping after these hits. I used Joe's method of checking the ease of turning the prop shaft as a indication the prop shaft was not bent or the alignment had changed. Checked it at the start of this season still spot on.

We are into the last few days of our vacation at Whistler BC. Sad the holiday is ending but it will be nice to get back to some sunshine and boating in Australia.

I only check mine when I pull the engine.

In my opinion a good portion of the enjoyment of owning an old classic boat is the time you spend relaxing while polishing, waxing, and maintaining it. Just as recreational oil changing seems to be a gearhead pastime I would venture a guess that there are recreational aligners. Being an incurable OC, I will probably join their ranks.
On a cold winter day there are few things as satisfying as going to a warm garage, liquid refreshment in your hand, music playing in the background, and the familiar aroma of a boat bilge. Some of the most enjoyable times of my life with family and friends flood back whenever I experience it. Boat maintenance is therapeutic. I feel truly fortunate to have an opportunity to enjoy these things.

Sorry for the thread jack, but I am feeling really lucky to be a part of the CCF family today and want all to know how much I appreciate all of the help and advice I have received from so many of you. THANX.

Waternut wrote: I don't understand how such a stout series of components works it's way out of alignment.

John,
You may want to use a different word than "stout"!! Alignment will change from the boat on the trailer to the boat in the water. It's the reason Eric likes to do engine alignments in the water. He's stated it several times that it always surprises him how much it does change.

The biggest issue affecting alignment is water absorption both in wood stringers and polyester resin. You do realize poly resin is hygroscopic correct?

I definitely understand polyester resin can absorb water and I also understand that some boats have wood stringers. I even understand that a boat flexes differently when on the trailer and in the water. However, when the boat goes in the water, wouldn't the hull always goes back to it's original location? If it doesn't, wouldn't something be severely damaged which prevents the hull from going back to it's natural state?

Waternut wrote: when the boat goes in the water, wouldn't the hull always goes back to it's original location? If it doesn't, wouldn't something be severely damaged which prevents the hull from going back to it's natural state?

I really couldn't say if a hull goes back to it's as built original state. The poly absorbs water easy but it does dry out easy. Considering that, an alignment check is important within the first 25 hours.

pete, i meant that i unbolted and checked alignment with feeler gauges between coupling halves...i'm not as dumb as i look...

skicat wrote: BuffaloBFN wrote: I only check mine when I pull the engine. So you do yours annually? Just kidding man!

For a while I was seeing annually go by pretty quickly! It doesn't need to come out this year, but I could do it for a ceremony of some twisted kind.

I'm looking forward to burning some gas with yall this year. That part I have figured out.