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AquaDrives

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by GPO, Aug 18, 2024.

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  1. GPO, Aug 18, 2024
    #1
    GPO

    GPO Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Messages:
    94
    Location:
    Ladysmith, British Columbia
    Does anyone have experience converting a conventional straight shaft arrangement to an AquaDrive? Intuitively, it seems like a superior arrangement. I’ve seen marketing material that suggests a 95% reduction in vibration and 50% reduction in structure borne noise. If this is so, I wonder why so few AquaDrives are on production boats. Fleming being one example that I’m aware or. Expense, perhaps? What else might I be missing?
  2. Capt Ralph, Aug 18, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,443
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Oh? Another mechanical device in your bilge??
    Just what a conscious boater wants.

    I have always liked the idea, felt it had potential of some sales but not necessary.

    We managed a big GB trawler with them factory installed behind some big Cats.
    I guess down angle clutches were not available in China that week.
    Lots of wasted engine room space.
    I did question that boat's ride with the engines moved forward a couple of feet. Just what you want, a bow heavy trawler.

    Because of cost, attention to some detail and real-estate in most bilges, Aquadrive and similar products will never be a standard item.
    Later down angle clutch designs help keep engines more level without taking up the room of an Aquadrive also.

    The sales hype of noise and vibration reduction is,,, bull ship sales hype.. What baseline are they comparing to ??
    Thru my years, I have proved that better mounts correctly installed, proper alignment, proper propeller & installation, are superior to anything else.

    After replacing a bad shaft on our 46 year old Bertram, she could not run any smoother now.
    These could be of no benefit for us and I don't have the room for them anyway.
  3. GPO, Aug 18, 2024
    #3
    GPO

    GPO Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Messages:
    94
    Location:
    Ladysmith, British Columbia
    Understood. Thanks for sharing some real world experience.

    I have some very slight vibration within a very narrow RPM range. After doing everything else with expert assistance I was pondering any practical next steps.

    I can certainly live with what I have - and keep my hands off my cheque book!
  4. Capt Ralph, Aug 18, 2024
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,443
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Well, Lets talk about what issues you are having;
    Boat, power, shaft, clutch & propeller specs?
    When did it start?
    What has been done?
    "expert assistance" Does not impress me,,,
    And a real shop working with you??

    I remember a recent event on an ole customers boat, Vibration started up and got worse.
    A big yard in Jax sent the props out, No Problem Found (NPF)
    They mic'd out the shaft, NPF.
    Checked the cutlass, NPF.
    I was called in on the weekend when the marina was closed. My first check,,, I could move the engine (6B) from side to side.
    The threaded rod, height adjustment on one of the engine mounts loosened up.
    A big yard in Jax could not figure this out after a week and bux were spent.

    I bring this up; Sometimes it can be a little thing that drives us crazy the most..

    YF has kids al over the world.
    Maybe somebody has a sister ship or has lived thru this before.

    So, Lets type and chew about your vibration.