Albemarle 41 CONVERTIBLE Owner'S Manual Download

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410 Convertible

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Before changing propellers to correct boat performance
problems,  be  sure  other  factors  such  as  engine  tuning,
bottom and running gear growth, etc., are not the source
of performance changes.  You also should be sure the load
conditions are those normally experienced.   If the boat
ran in the required RPM range when it was new and you
have not added any additional gear or heavy equipment and
have not damaged the propellers, there is a good chance
the propellers are not the problem.

KEEP AWAY FROM THE PROPULSION MACHINERY
DURING  ITS  OPERATION  OR WHENEVER THE
BOAT IS IN MOTION.  MOVEMENT OF WATER PAST
A  PROPELLER  CAN  CAUSE THE  PROPELLER,
SHAFT AND OTHER PROPULSION MACHINERY TO
ROTATE EVEN IF THAT EQUIPMENT IS NOT BEING
OPERATED INTENTIONALLY.

1.7 Running Gear

Shaft Logs and Dripless Seal

The shaft logs, which are fastened into the hull bottom, allow
the propeller shaft to extend and rotate through the hull.  The
shaft log is equipped with a special “Dripless” propeller shaft
seal.  To lubricate this seal, sea water from the engine cooling
system  is  injected  into  the  shaft  seal  through  a  hose  that  is
connected to the engine and the shaft seal housing.

The shaft seal must have positive water injection any time the
propeller shaft is rotating. The water ﬂow to the seal should
be tested annually by removing the water injection hose from
the seal ﬁtting and running the engine at idle with the trans-
mission in neutral.  There should be a positive ﬂow of water
from the hose.  If no water is ﬂowing from the hose, contact
your dealer or the Albemarle Customer Relations Department
before  operating  your  boat.    Some  water  will  leak  into  the
bilge from the hose ﬁtting on the seal assembly during this
test.  The hose should immediately be reattached and the hose
clamps tightened securely when the test is completed.  Please
refer to the seal manufacturer owner’s manual for additional
information on the shaft seal.

Proper performance of the shaft seal is directly dependent upon
correct propeller shaft alignment.  Propeller damage, a bent strut
or shaft, or abnormal wear, settling, etc. are common reasons
for misalignment.  This can cause such problems as repeated
shaft leakage, excess seal wear, shaft log and assembly damage,
premature strut bearing wear, etc.  It is, therefore, important
that the alignment be periodically checked and adjustments are
made when necessary.

ALWAYS BE SURE TO USE THE SHAFT REMOVAL
SLEEVE AND FOLLOW THE SEAL MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING
A PROPELLER SHAFT. IMPROPERLY REMOVING
OR INSTALLING A PROPELLER SHAFT CAN
PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE SHAFT SEAL AND
CAUSE IT TO LEAK.

Struts

The struts are the metal castings bolted to the bottom of the
hull to secure the aft end of the propeller shafts.  A replaceable
cutlass bearing, also called a strut bearing, is used to minimize
shaft wear.  The strut bearing should be inspected once a year,
or whenever the boat is hauled, to ensure that there has been no
damage or deterioration and that the strut bearing is not worn
excessively.  Upon inspection of the bearing, a small amount
of play between the propeller shaft and bearing, .008” to .010”,
is normal.  This gap allows water to pass between the bearing
and the shaft to lubricate the bearing surface.  If the rubber
bearing shows signs of deterioration or excessive wear, greater
than .015” play between the bearing and the shaft surfaces,
the bearing should be replaced and you should contact your
Albemarle dealer.  It is advisable, during lay-up periods, to
insert some castor oil into the rubber bearing to keep it from
“freezing” to the shaft.  Never use machine oil or grease on
the rubber bearing.

THE  OPERATION  OF THE  BOAT  IN  HEAVILY
SILTED OR POLLUTED WATER, WITH A DAMAGED
PROPELLER,  A  DAMAGED  PROPELLER  SHAFT
OR WITH THE ENGINE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAN
SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE STRUT
BEARING.    IF YOU  EXPERIENCE  ANY  OF THESE
SITUATIONS,  THE BEARING SHOULD BE CHECKED
MORE FREQUENTLY.

ALWAYS CHECK THE ENGINE ALIGNMENT AFTER
REPLACING THE STRUT BEARING.

Propeller Shaft Seal