Alignment Poll
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Common Questions
Forum Discription: Visit here first for common questions regarding your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28625
Printed Date: November-24-2024 at 9:57pm
Topic: Alignment Poll
Posted By: SNobsessed
Subject: Alignment Poll
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 4:56pm
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This is the current topic of interest, so I thought we could share results. I check alignment each spring, however I now just check it with boat on the trailer. Takes about 1/2 hour - I don't remove all the screws, just loosen them. I think last year it was right at .003 so I just left it alone. In previous years I would shoot for .001, now consider that to just be extra work. I guess the novelty is wearing off . . . Does anyone check annually & regularly find it out of spec? ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 5:11pm
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I go for every 2 years. 2 of my 3 boats were done 2 seasons ago. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 5:29pm
| This is the third year since I've done mine, I haven't hit anything or noticed vibrations. I'm going to go through it completely while the motor is out, but I don't see anything that leads me to believe something is wrong or not straight, cutlass is wearing evenly and everything turns fine by hand. I am am a little lazy because it's such a bigger chore with a Vdrive. |
Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 5:42pm
| Oh forgot to add, no way in hell I'm going to try and check it in the water. I did that with the last DD and it never changed. Maybe I'll find that it's not as big of a deal as I'm suspecting it to be, but I doubt that since the coupler has twice the bolts and I have to work blind to get them out. I think the guys with the hot rod v drives may be on to something with the long shaft between the tranny and the Vdrive. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 6:18pm
Don, Keep in mind that a misaligned shaft will not vibrate unless it's been run that way for many hours. With a misaligned shaft, it is binding in most cases the cutlass. Without any clearance/play it will not vibrate until the cutlass is very worn. The most common cause of vibration is #1 a bad prop and then #2 a bent prop shaft. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
TX Foilhead wrote:Posted By: KRoundy
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 6:26pm
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I am in the middle of aligning my boat right now in my rebuild. It's currently so far off that I can see it with my eyeballs. I have got it aligned left-right to eyeball close and now need to move the engine up. Once I have it close via my eyes I'll get the feeler gauges out and line her up perfectly. ------------- Previous: 1993 Electric Blue/Charcoal Ski Nautique Current: 2016 Ski Nautique 200 Open Bow |
Posted By: Kristof
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:02pm
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I have done three seasons since my last alignment. As soon as she goes back in hte water at the marina in the spring, I'm gonna check the alignment when she's sitting in the water... I regularly spin the shaft by hand to feel if it spins freely and smoothly. I also check my engine mounts regularly to see if they are still thight... Three seasons ago I noticed one mount to be completely loose  (that's why I had to do an alignment twice that season...)------------- - Gun control means: using BOTH hands! - Money doesn't make one happy, but when it rains cats and dogs, it's still better to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle... |
Posted By: forvicjr
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:19pm
Alignment.....whats that? 
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:27pm
Vic, You will know all about alignment when you blow the trans and it costs you around $800 not including the R&R and shipping!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: forvicjr
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:37pm
| Its funny that I was betting on a response from you.My alignment is way off,the trans is in my garage and the shaft is in Ga,So I can safely say mine doesn't need to be checked at this point.Also Pete you need to SEARCH if you had you would realize I'm nowhere close to aligning any of the drive train,I have no floor in my cc. With that being said,I don't think Ill be blowing my trans.Need to lighten up pete. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:42pm
I reacted due to you first sarcastic comment. We certainly do not want new members thinking alignment isn't important do we Vic?
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: forvicjr
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 8:47pm
| That sarcasm wasn't directed at the subject of the post,it was more toward the progress of my own boat. (alignment is far far away for me)But yes alignment is crucial. Ill be doing mine in the spring hopfully.. |
Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 9:04pm
| Cutlass looks the same as it did when I bought it so I doubt it's wearing, I did have the prop fixed from hitting the trailer. That just flat spotted my 6 month old prop, but all they really did was check the ballance. It 3 of the blades on the prop guard which evenly put flat spot about an inch long on the blades, might have shortened them 1/16 of an inch. +300 hrs later running fine so I'm thinking it's good but I'm closing in on that time when Eric says trannys just seem to just wear out. |
Posted By: Dreaming
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 9:20pm
i'm neurotic.... i checked mine before I put it in the water last year. this year I didn't even get it wet, i was saving for a stringer job. Stringer money now in hand, I suspect a start in the new year. I'll re-align when the motor/trans/stringers are in again.  |
Posted By: Tide
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 10:34pm
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I've owned my boat for over 12 years and have never done an alignment. It has absolutely no vibration. I'm afraid if I ever messed with it I would screw it up. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 10:47pm
From several posts above:
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: juniorwoody
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 10:47pm
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Is anyone keeping count? Both of our woodies are apart at this time. The Atom probably should be checked before the season though I hadn't really planned to do it till now. My son's SN was aligned three seasons back when we completed the stringer replacement. It is working fine and I hear no plans for the alignment check. I guess if his tranny goes he will just fix it as that is what he does for a living. Ya, ya I know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and all that stuff. My comments on the Craigslist thread were more centered around how we receive new posters and should we try to maintain a small amount of decency or just go about alienating them before they even get started, just saying. ------------- The value of money spent on new adventure far exceeds the value of money saved for the future |
Posted By: DHart
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 11:03pm
Pete, what do you typically find when you check alignment? Do you make adjustments or just confirm that everything looks good? |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 11:34pm
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I've never used an alignment pole. I just use a worn out prop shaft to tune (bend or un-bend) the strut and to nudge the engine side to side. Oh! Poll! with two el's, Ok, well other than changing engines, velvet-d's, ARE's etc... As a part of routine or preventative maintenance. 1966 Mustang (never) 1974 Ski Nau. (once, in 8 years) |
Posted By: DHart
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 11:42pm
| I should have included, I'm in the rarely check alignment club. |
Posted By: 81nautique
Date Posted: December-30-2012 at 11:56pm
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Ha last time mine was checked you did it to make the alignment video Pete. ------------- You can’t change the wind but you can adjust your sails |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-31-2012 at 8:52am
Dave, It really depends on the boat. A glass hull with good stringers or a recent stringer replacement rarely has issues except when it taken a underwater hit. With a wood hull, you will typically find different readings after it's dried out from storage compared to later in the season when it's taken on some moisture. Check the alignment later in the season. If you find that the alignment is out past the .003" max, do a complete alignment. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: December-31-2012 at 10:28am
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Well I wondered where I got the idea that it had to be checked annually, so I looked at the owners manual - it just says to spin the prop to check for binding. I then found this old post from Eric suggesting annual alignment: Posted: March-19-2007 at 12:15pm perfect scenario is to check it in the water if you can, these boats are very short and rigid and you can get by on the trailer, its the 25 footers and up that should always be checked in the water, any time you strike an object it is a goood idea to check the alignment, i would add it to the spring list of checking it once a year. boats with rotted stringers should be checked more often if that problem is not fixed. if you do decide to check it in the water at least let it sit overnight or longer to let the boat settle to its natural state. Alignment is often overlooked and is as important as checking the oil, I dont try to advertise this to much because, well you know... but alot of transmissions i see are failed due to mis-alignment and it causes hard part damage, vibrations, excess heat and so on ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: December-31-2012 at 11:19am
| And there we have it, Pet owes everyone an apology. Lol |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: December-31-2012 at 12:28pm
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Owning a boat, even a classic inboard is not rocket science and doesn’t require one to own a set of feeler gauges or to have a mechanic on speed dial .. Personally I do what is recommended in the owners manual which is “Periodically check alignment by visually inspecting and turning the prop to assure yourself that it turns freely with no binding” I suspect that for most people doing more than that on a boat that hasn’t recently hit something is far more likely to cause harm than good. Even if it has hit something a good spin by hand has always told me whether it was limited to the prop or if the problem went deeper. A couple spins of the prop by hand on a boat I am looking at to buy tells the same tale, if it is loose in the strut or binds at one or more points while turning around I am deducting the cost of the parts from the bell housing back from my offer… For the poll - I aligned my 83 when I put in the new stringers, transmission, and mounts five years ago.. I have had the engine out a few times since then, and even switched blocks but haven’t removed or adjusted the trans, bell housing, or the engine mounts.. each time I bolted up the new engine then gave the propeller a spin and decided not to touch it so that is one actual alignment in 5 years. But I give it a good spin every chance I get (10+ times a year) ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: December-31-2012 at 12:30pm
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I know the last time I checked mine was after Eric rebuilt the tranny which was about 4 years ago I think. I haven't checked it since then but I do throughout the year grab the prop to see how freely it spins (usually everytime we stop for break and play in the water I'll dive under and check it). I think y'all have brought up a good point as we've all heard/read the stories of misaligned shafts and guys here injured because of it. Probably not a bad idea to check it before the first outing of 2013. I'm glad you guys brought it up. ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: tbeard
Date Posted: January-01-2013 at 9:23pm
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Great timing on this topic. We just finished painting the bilge and ready to install the engine. I did not remove the shaft from the boat. Watching Pete's video I am thinking I should loosen all 4 engine mounts and make sure they move freely before installation. I am positive I will have to tweak the engine to meet/exceed the .003 max spec requirements. Is there anything else I need to consider prior to assembly? ------------- Thanks.......Tom |
Posted By: lewy2001
Date Posted: January-01-2013 at 10:13pm
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Check mine every 100 hrs when I also replace the transmission fluid. ------------- If you're going through hell, keep going http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2999" rel="nofollow - 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 1:18am
If the cutlass bearing has not been replaced in the last couple of years, now is the time to do that. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 1:21am
Lewy - How often do you have to adjust it? ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: lewy2001
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 2:28am
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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. ------------- If you're going through hell, keep going http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2999" rel="nofollow - 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 5:53am
Ditto ------------- |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 9:39am
I only check mine when I pull the engine.  ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: skicat
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 4:03pm
So you do yours annually? Just kidding man! ------------- Greg http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2427&yrstart=1981&yrend=1985" rel="nofollow - 86 BFN |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: January-02-2013 at 5:21pm
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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. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Waternut
Date Posted: January-07-2013 at 7:28pm
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I'm more curious to know who has actually loosened the couplers, rechecked alignment, and found it to be bad... I have a hard time believing that a properly aligned driveline will lose alignment without hitting something or an engine mount loosening up. I totally understand the importance but I don't understand how such a stout series of components works it's way out of alignment. I've seen rubber components wear to fix a problem with the physical alignment of the metal joints but not the other way around. ------------- |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-07-2013 at 9:10pm
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? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: MattB
Date Posted: January-08-2013 at 7:15am
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I replaced the shaft at the end of last season and the boat has probably had about 10hrs (guess) with the new shaft so as part of my spring service I will be checking the alignment before I head into another full season, if there is no alignment problem it will probably take 10-15 minutes to quickly check so its no big deal and peace of mind for very little effort. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6102" rel="nofollow - 2001 http://uksn2001.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - SN2001 Blog |
Posted By: Waternut
Date Posted: January-08-2013 at 11:40am
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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? ------------- |
Posted By: MI-nick
Date Posted: January-09-2013 at 3:17pm
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i aligned my '88 after having the transmission rebuilt about 3 or 4 years ago. checked it last summer (unbolted coupling) and it hadn't changed. i'll probably continue to check every other year. on my '99 SAN i have only done the prop spin check because...well...the coupling is a PITA to get to...spins by hand real easy though... ------------- As far as I can tell, I'm not quite sure... |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-09-2013 at 8:27pm
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. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-09-2013 at 8:29pm
Nick, Unbolting the coupling is not needed for a prop spin check. In fact, you do not want to unbolt it. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: MI-nick
Date Posted: January-10-2013 at 3:06pm
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pete, i meant that i unbolted and checked alignment with feeler gauges between coupling halves...i'm not as dumb as i look... ------------- As far as I can tell, I'm not quite sure... |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-10-2013 at 9:15pm
I got it now. Sorry for the misunderstanding. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: January-14-2013 at 10:47pm
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. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |