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Can’t get my props off

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by 993RSR, Jun 4, 2020.

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  1. 993RSR, Jul 16, 2020
    #61
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Yes good advice, appreciate it. This crew who removed the old props are installing the Veems. They have been criticizing the installation of my old props all morning so I hope they know what they are doing.
    Just to give you a brief history this boat has had a significant vibration all its life, 20 years 4 owners. Each has paid big bucks for:
    alignment
    motor mounts
    shafts
    cutlass bearings
    harmonic balancer
    injectors
    Turned out the early Eastbay 49's had too much unsupported shaft. Around #50 they installed a bearing in the hull. So we did that, laser targeted, moved the motors.... smooth as glass even though the prop shop said the props are waisted.
  2. DOCKMASTER, Jul 16, 2020
    #62
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    It's amazing what some builder's do. My former boat, a Sea Ray 39' sportfish only had a bearing in the strut. The shaft coupled to the trans then the strut bearing and that's it. No shaft log bearing. Alignments were a PITA. Always had some vibration no matter what we did. Then I had a shaft break right at the taper. Lost the prop to the deep six. And, of course, these things always happen when you are a long way from home or assistance. The boat had tiny rudders so trying to get into the slip and travelift for haul to repair was an adventure. So glad to have an upgraded boat now.

    Will be interesting to see the results you get with the Veem's vs the old props. I just installed the Veem interceptors as part of my Repower and I am very happy with them thus far. I only have about 40 hrs run time but so far they are great. Did you post somewhere what your old props are vs the new ones?
  3. 993RSR, Jul 16, 2020
    #63
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Size of old vs new? The prop shop in Stuart (Treasure Coast Propellers) matched the new Veems order to my stock Tiegnbridge (sp?) Stock props turn up 2330 and cruise 22 knots @ 70% load 1925. If I do not get full RPM like this from the Veems I will jump off the Spa Creek Bridge. (about 20 feet high)
  4. olderboater, Jul 16, 2020
    #64
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    So jumping off strictly for effect, like a high diving board. Glad you won't be suicidal.
  5. DOCKMASTER, Jul 16, 2020
    #65
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    OK so you are keeping same diameter, pitch and number of blades. So the new props are simply to replace the old ones that have reached the end of their service life then. Got it.
  6. 993RSR, Jul 16, 2020
    #66
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    I will have 100 jelly fish stings by the time I get to shore!
    The boat gets launched tomorrow. Once I clear the no wake area I will run her up. Hopefully she will be smooth and exceed 2300. Probably wont sleep much tonight worrying about it.
  7. DOCKMASTER, Jul 16, 2020
    #67
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Too funny. Doesn't sound like anything to lose sleep over. If your not changing anything you should be fine. If anything you might gain a smidge on your top end RPM with the new props being in perfect condition. Prop selection was one of my biggest worries in my Repower because we changed engine hp, gears, gear ratio, boat got lighter, etc, etc. But hats off to Veem as they nailed it and the props are great. I'm sure you will be fine. If you can, get some photos of your blue fit and NDT . Good to have in your records although blue fit doesn't always show well in photos.
  8. Pascal, Jul 16, 2020
    #68
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    How old are the shaft? You may want them magnafluxed. I had two cracked shaft (3 1/2” AQ22HS) two years ago (one sent the prop 23’ to the bottom, recovered)... on another boat, a 70 footer, both shafts were found cracked too. From now on I m having shafts magnafluxed every 2 years
  9. mapism, Jul 16, 2020
    #69
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Yup, I appreciate that.
    I was only asking with reference to the need to remove the cockpit and a tank to access rudders, which sounds weird to say the least.
    Anyway, happy to read that you got there eventually, well done!
  10. Pascal, Jul 16, 2020
    #70
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I agree. Rudders are a maintenance item and need to be accessible
  11. 993RSR, Jul 16, 2020
    #71
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    jr props 1.jpg jr props 2.jpg jr props 3.jpg

    I geezed on the rudder access. It's the struts that are under the tank. Rudders are in a huge lazarette area.
    One shaft is new and we inspected the other but it was not removed and sent out. Magnafluxed in March.
    We have a Sunseeker here that the props were not installed properly and ended up with cracks out from the keyway. Props snapped off the shafts, one at a time 2 seasons apart.
  12. Pascal, Jul 16, 2020
    #72
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    When the first one snapped they should have checked the other shaft :)

    struts bolt access isn’t as critical as rudders but you still to look at them once in a while and inspect the binding wire
  13. 993RSR, Jul 17, 2020
    #73
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    It is with great pleasure that I can report a successful test run. 2338 wot 27.8 knots, 22.5 knots @ 1950 70% load with ultra smooth running gear. That sure was easy o_O
  14. PacBlue, Jul 17, 2020
    #74
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    Very nice, glad to hear it all worked out for you and you reduced your vibration with those Veem Propellers. How do those numbers compare to the previous props?
  15. 993RSR, Jul 17, 2020
    #75
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    All data the same except a slight increase in boat speed. 1 knot for sure. We did not reduce vibration we eliminated all vibration. See what re-engineering and $50K or so will do! (that does not include the props)
  16. MBevins, Jul 17, 2020
    #76
    MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    That's obviously the cost to redesign and install the new shaft support?
  17. 993RSR, Jul 17, 2020
    #77
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    No. After trying many fixes based on theory and wild ass guess I finally hooked up with an expert. All he does is running gear. He identified the too much unsupported shaft before the boat was blocked. For him to float in hull bearings, laser target align, lift/shim and set the motors, props/shafts and couplings sent out, new dripless seals... $15k
    All the rest was waisted parts changing.
  18. MBevins, Jul 17, 2020
    #78
    MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Ouch.
  19. Capt J, Jul 17, 2020
    #79
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    OUCH. But at least you have a happy ending.
  20. 993RSR, Jul 17, 2020
    #80
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    The records on board the boat showed owners trying to figure this vibration out for 16 years before I bought it, (02 49 Eastbay)
    I contacted Grand Banks to see if they had any useful input. Every time the boat sold surveyors noted probably engine alignment (its never alignment) and send the props out. GB could not tell me they added hull bearings at hull#50 which solved the problem. I even made exhaust support modifications. Now if you are in the engine room with ear muffs on at cruise you have no idea if the mains are running or not.
    Many people buying Eastbays are coming out of sailboats and have no idea that vibration causes exhaust leaks and 100 other issues that cause you to fall out of the sky.
    I feel much better. I will sleep well tonight.
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