Project boat Engine help

[rbro1979]

Hi everyone,

I have a huge problem with a boat I bought as a project a few years back.

I have completed the boat cosmetics but don't know about prop shaft and engine installation. I had new engine beds made and fitted and bought a 'thornycroft 50hp' which came from a moody. The engine works fine but I have no idea about prop shaft, prop, alignment, exhaust etc.

I used to volunteer for the lifeboats and one of the boys said he'd help put everything together if I can get the right parts but have no idea what I need...any help would be more than welcome I'm very very stuck!

Here's what I have:

26ft ex ships lifeboat
Thornycroft 50hp diesel (no prop shaft, prop etc)
2 stern tubes (one which fits and one smaller, came with an old prop shaft)
10gallon fuel tank
engine beds

Cheers

Russ

 

[moonraker 36]

i no one thing a 10 gallon fuel tank get you far as you will need to leave some in reserve.
so more like a 7gallon fuel tank.

good luck with the project..

 

[sarabande]

have a quick read through these pages.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Alignment2.htm

He knows his stuff.

 

[Tranona]

Hi everyone,

I have a huge problem with a boat I bought as a project a few years back.

I have completed the boat cosmetics but don't know about prop shaft and engine installation. I had new engine beds made and fitted and bought a 'thornycroft 50hp' which came from a moody. The engine works fine but I have no idea about prop shaft, prop, alignment, exhaust etc.

I used to volunteer for the lifeboats and one of the boys said he'd help put everything together if I can get the right parts but have no idea what I need...any help would be more than welcome I'm very very stuck!

Here's what I have:

26ft ex ships lifeboat
Thornycroft 50hp diesel (no prop shaft, prop etc)
2 stern tubes (one which fits and one smaller, came with an old prop shaft)
10gallon fuel tank
engine beds

Cheers

Russ

Not clear whether the boat had an inboard installation beforehand. If there is a stern tube already installed in the boat that will make things easier. If not, it will be a major job installing one, depending on the material of the hull and the shape of the stern.. If you have one already installed, it will need to take a shaft of a diameter of at least 1 1/4", but probably 1 1/2". To determine the size and the size of prop you need to talk to an expert supplier such as Teignbridge, Lake Engineering, T Norris. These are just examples and you may find a supplier nearer you.

You say you have engine beds so the stern gear with have to line up with them or if the stern tube is in already, the beds and engine lined up with that. Provided the angle is right and the engine sits more or less square with the shaft then lining up is not a huge job.

You will need a seawater supply and a wet exhaust system. Suggest you look in the Vetus catalogue www.vetus.com as they have schematics on water and exhaust systems to help you design your own to suit your boat. You will also need engine controls, fuel filters and electrics.

Installing an engine from scratch is not an easy or cheap job, and it pays in the long run to buy new equipment. Suggest you talk to one of the suppliers - Norris would be a good start and get a quote for the complete package.

 

[moonraker 36]

you could put lorry universal joint's between the gear box and the end of the prop shaft.
then you want have to worry about the alignment being spot on.
i no of a boat set up this way for the last twenty years without any prob's..

 

[PCUK]

Good idea Moonraker, He'll also need a thrust bearing on the original shaft to avoid loading the UJ's