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Old 11-24-2013, 08:15 AM   #37
neworleansrich
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City: New Orleans
Vessel Name: Catalyst
Vessel Model: 50 ft Power Cat
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 141
Cutting a hole in the side seems crazy, but I guess from the boatyard's point of view it's the most direct way to get access. No one has ever said the engines can't be removed. It's only been a question of expense.

There must be hundreds of older boats in nice shape with crazy big engines in this same spot. They would be great LRC's or trawlers, but running the engines so slow presents another set of issues.

On this 61 ft Hat, we may try the feathering prop idea for a while if we can find a prop that is not too expensive. The 2.5in shafts are what's driving up the cost. The owner has a spare shaft that we may have remachined to a 2in or 1 1/2in taper end. That way we can get a less expensive prop. The shafts are two piece with a muff coupler so it would be relatively easy to change the back shaft section. Obviously cutting down the shaft reduces the strength, but remember the folding prop side is expected to only be used for maneuvering of get-home.

As someone mentioned above, having feathering props on both sides would be great. You could run either engine alone. Maybe my 48ft Defever would be small enough to make it work.
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