I fitted a Halyard Marine Aquadrive coupling in around 2002, since when it has performed faultlessly with virtually no maintenance. The model I fitted was the 20000, now superseded by the Moduline. My main intention in fitting the coupling was to prevent contact between the shaft and stern tube after re-engining with a Yanmar 3GM that had far softer mountings than the Bukh 20 it replaced. As advertised, it has also contributed to reduced sound levels within the boat.
There are some critical measurements associated with fitting an Aquadrive. The first of these is the length of the unit in its static condition. This is well explained in the information that accompanies the device, or can be downloaded from here . Further useful information about the installation is given at this site The other critical measurement is that the drive shaft has to be central within the stern tube. Once the thrust plate has been installed into the boat it is impossible to correct this without major modification.
My first moves were to remove the propeller, disconnect the drive shaft from the gearbox and remove its coupling flange, as it did not match the output flange of the Aquadrive. This can be a difficult job to accomplish in a cramped space but several methods are described in the Couplings page of this site.
Next I assembled the Aquadrive unit and attached it loosely to the gearbox flange to gain some idea of where it would sit in service. Setting it up at the required length is a little tricky as the rubber gaiters push it open. I tied the flanges together at the required overall length with a length of line. I then pressed the new coupling flange onto the shaft and assembled the whole train into roughly its final position using clamps, blocks of wood, etc. At this stage the shaft was still far too long but this does not matter.
By this time I had thoroughly cleaned the area of the bilge where it would sit and abraded the surface of the GRP for a few inches all around. With the Aquadrive assembled and bolted up I mixed epoxy and filler to a heavy paste and applied it to the plate and bilge to make a fillet between them. After allowing this to cure overnight I was able to remove all the coupling components and start lay up. West epoxy, chopped glass mat and woven rovings were used to build up a heavy and strong support for the plate.
Finally the plate and layup were spray painted using automotive aerosol paint to match the bilge.
To finish the job I was able to assemble everything in its final configuration, measure the length of shaft to be cut off to accommodate the new length, refit the stern gland and propeller, and the job was finished.
Other Aquadrive couplings.
Stern gear installed in a Corribee |
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Stern gear installed in a Corribee. The propeller, 3/4″ shaft and stern gland are standard Lancing Marine items, the stern tube was made from a cut-down section of carbon fibre wind-surfer mast and the outer bush was turned from Vesconite. The coupling is Halyard Marine – the smallest model available at the time of installation, although their current smallest model may be slightly smaller than the one shown. A complete description of the installation, including replacement engines, is shown at http://corribee.org/technical/engines/inboard-engine/
Words and photos: Steve Pavey |
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