Engine earth/ground with Aquadrive?

[Roach1948]

I am currently re-engining with a Beta 10 and Halyard Aquadrive. I dont really need the Aquadrive but I was not sure of my abilities to align the shaft, and its was more forgiving. The question is that earth goes to the engine block -would an aquadrive affect earthing capabilities down the shaft and to the prop?

 

[jimbaerselman]

The previous owner of my boat thought so (whether right or wrong I don't know) and wired a carbon brush to electrically connect the engine block to the shaft downstream of the drive.

I'm sure that Halyard could give you a definitive answer.

 

[boatmike]

Definitive answer. Yes!

 

[Roach1948]

Anybody here fitted a Carbon Brush to their shafts? A quick google came up with millions of shapes and sizes and I wonder best way to approach a DIY attempt to earth my engine.

PS Still waiting for a call back from Halyard Re. grounding, but will chase them tomorrow.

 

[Piers]

Hm. I have Aquadrives. There is no earthing to the shafts, only the stuffing boxs. I await your findings with interest.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I have an aquadrive too, but on my engine the block is electrically isolated from the gearbox. Check that your new engine doesn't isolated itself from the shaft before worrying about the aquadrive. You may have to make an alternative through the keel.

 

[rickp]

I have a brush after the aquadrive. Here is the photo from the build:

Rick

 

[Piers]

Just had a reply from Halyard re the Aquadrive units. The email states "The Aquadrive shaft is fully bonded, but if you would like to put a strap onto the Aquadrive there is no problem in doing this." The author is Tim Boys of Halyard on 01722 713 716

 

[Roach1948]

Yes, just spoken to him too and confirmed there was "full electrical continuity". No brush required then!

He did say that at low revs resistance is around 5 ohms (not sure why low revs make a difference). He also added a strap could be added but in my case not really wirth the effort.