Engine install using CV or U joint?

[Toolate]

Is there a shaft coupling that would absorb a few degrees of misalignment and still be able to handle say 400hp? Like a CV joint but marinized.

I have never seen anything but straight couplings that need perfect alignment or jack shaft type installations with remote gearboxes that absorb the thrust (output of these is usually the old shaft coupling) but it seems like it would make setting an inboard much easier and remove quite a bit of vibration although it would side load the transmission bearings a bit.

Would love to see a picture of an installation if anyone has one (if there is such a thing) I am not interested because I want to wimp out of aligning an engine as much as I am curious and think it would go a long way towards vibration reduction (coupled with a drive saver too?).

 

[El Mar]

Evolution Drive

http://downeastboatforum.com/downeast-engine-room/evolution-drive-849.html

 

[F/V First Team]

take the time to line the engine up. yor pocketbook will thank you

 

[Toolate]

Yeah that evolution drive is waaaay too complicated and has to big bux.

I have aligned a number of engines (after tranny replacement/repair and engine rebuilds, etc.) so I am good there but thought I would ask if there was something simple.


The last one I did wouldnt align because the boat was so rotten and out of whack and the engine mounts were so hard to adjust due to rust that we had to relocate one of the struts (glass the holes/drill new ones) and then re-align it when the boat was in the water. Hey, it was a buddy's boat and he wanted to run it even though it might snap in half on a big wave...

 

[F/V First Team]

She's a heavy mass of steel whirling around down there. If something went wrong and she came loose on the wrong end...

Well I doubt if the bilge pump would be able to keep up.

 

[jojobee]

Aqua drive all the way. You can have dissimilar angles on both sides with cv joints....not with u-joints. Approximately 1-3 degrees of allowable angle. Sound down recommends this type set up for maximum sound reduction. PM me if you want some pricing.....joe

 

[Toolate]

Like this guy?

Engine Installation Accessories | Peachment

I am in CT (not the UK) but that was the best pic I could find.

Do you have any pics of an installation in a DE full keel boat? Seems like a great idea to me although it is one more piece in the driveline that could fail.

 

[jojobee]

Yup, we just did a Calvin Beal. We have also put them in build down boats too. Jim Blaney is an expert and has been putting these in for 25 years or so. Give him a call at 908-964-0700. He will happily discuss the Aquadrive and send you pictures and recommendations.

Joe