On Feb 9, 2007, at 2:13 PM, Harvey J. Karten wrote:
> We use the PYI "flexible" coupling between transmission and shaft,
> and are very pleased with the results. Some people feel that the
> flexible coupling only hides developing problems with alignment
> that can cause major tranny problems.
> So it goes.
> regards,
> Harvey
>

Harvey,
Your mention of the flexible coupling brings up another interesting
topic. We also have one from PYI. In Fernando de Norona, Brazil, the
moored fishing boats use floating mooring lines that are up to 150
feet long - and they are dark colored. They float across the
anchorage when they drop them to go to sea. Early one morning we
picked up one in the prop and it stopped the engine cold from
1,200 rpm.

I ran below to look at the coupling to see if it had sheared off. It
was shocking to see the coupling twisted into an extreme "S" shape,
and completely distended. It was not a happy time, as the nearest
place to haul out was in Salvador de Bajia, several hundred miles south.
I decided to have breakfast and then think about what to do. Four
hours after the incident it appeared that the coupling had begun to go
back to its original shape. It seemed unlikely, but, I continued to
wait. By evening it was 80% straight. The next morning, it was as though
it had never been distended.

We kept it in place for another six months and there was no
noticeable change in engine or shaft operation. On removal there was no
appearance of damage. The spare was installed, the old one remains
now as the spare. The unit appears to be extremely
hard, and you would never imagine it could twist as it did. And, even
less, would you imagine it would return to the original shape.

So, I am now a believer in having such protection for the engine/
reduction gear/shaft/prop.

Bill

-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
Received on Fri Feb 9 16:05:01 2007