Flexible Coupling

[ozzyb]

I fitted a 'Bullflex' coupling to our previous Yacht & it made quite a difference in cutting down engine vibration. I'm thinking of fitting a different type to our present yacht does anyone have experience of the R&D marine type? http://www.randdmarine.co.uk/flexiblesc.asp it looks a very simple and less intrusive fitting.

 

[tillergirl]

I've got one and it seems to do what it is supposed to do. Simple to fit although my yard failed to torque up the coupling to the gearbox properly and it came loose this year - that's a failure of the yard not the product. It survived a very rough bit of motor sailing waggling about and went back into shape once fitted properly again.

 

[stevebirch2002]

The coupling you mention is really one for anti-shear, I think. It is fitted as a first shear should a chain etc get caught round the prop so the plastic shears rather than passed through to the drive of the gearbox. My personal favourite is the Centaflex avaible through Vetus or Centa Coupling themselves. Fitted quite a few and certainly do the job.

 

[capsco]

It wll not be as effective as the bullflex, in fact you may not notice any difference.

 

[tillergirl]

Well it wasn't sold on that basis and has metal 'cross braces' that would retain the drive if the plastic sheared - albeit it would clank a bit.

 

[Thistle]

I agree. I, too, have fitted one and am pleased with it. I'd also mention the good service from R and D: fast response to e-mails seeking information about the product and rapid delivery when I placed an order.

 

[ozzyb]

Being a tightwad it seems that this coupling will do the same job as the others, insomuch as it introduces a flex arrangement between the gear box and the shaft which should compensate for the flexing of the engine mounts. This product only supplies the flex joint as opposed to the 'Vetus Bullflex' which incorporates this and the shaft clamp arrangment therefore costing more for something you allready have. This company is local to me so I think I'll give them a try. Thanks for your comments.

 

[Thistle]

I see there's one in the For Sale forum today. The Law of the Inevitable means, of course, that it won't be the size you need!

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I have them on each of my engines.

Would not install an engine without them.

They are not the equivalent of sheer pins, they are flexible couplings.

 

[mhardie]

centa flexi coupling

The coupling you mention is really one for anti-shear, I think. It is fitted as a first shear should a chain etc get caught round the prop so the plastic shears rather than passed through to the drive of the gearbox. My personal favourite is the Centaflex avaible through Vetus or Centa Coupling themselves. Fitted quite a few and certainly do the job.

hi steve just interested to know how you aligned the flexi coupling to the gearbox drive and the best way to measure, thanks