[C320-list] Flexible coupler effectiveness?

[Rick Sulewski]

Shawn,

I have a Westerbeke 30B engine and it also transmits a fair amount of
vibration, depending on the selected RPM on my 95 320.

 I am thinking about changing out the motor mounts when I need to replace
the cutlass bearing in a few years. It also occurred to me to consider
changing out the rubber hose that connects the stuffing box to the thru-hull
prop shaft tube given the age of the boat.

Have you considered that your motor mounts may be contributing to excessive
vibration and engine movement that could impact the wear and tear on the
cutlass bearing?

I wonder if any other owners of 93-97 boats have had a need to change their
motor mounts or that thick rubber connecting hose between the prop shaft
hull tube and the stuffing box?

Rick
My-Ria #277



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Shawn Maloney
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 11:01 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Flexible coupler effectiveness?

I have a Perkins engine in my 93 C320.  Though these engines are tough and
reliable, they are not as smooth as the Yanmar.  I have 2100 hours and plan
to replace the cutlass bearing as a maintenance item.  At the same time I
may consider a stainless steel shaft ( as some have done on this list) and I
am considering adding a flexible coupler.  It seems that the coupler is
about 1 ¼ inches thick and I would resize the shaft to compensate for this.


 

I would like to hear any comments as to the effectiveness of the coupler at
reducing vibrations and adjusting for alignment issues.  Thanks

 

Shawn Maloney

Hull #14