One Engine Removed, Can you run the boat?

[david_lavigne2540]

If I remove one engine, leaving the transmission in the boat, and the shaft chained off. Do I need to rig a brace for the transmission, if I run the boat on the remaining engine?

 

[Boatsb]

If the engine is out the trans will not have as solid of a mount and could rip out.

At least take off the prop.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

If its a velvet drive the mounts on the trans are also the rear unit mounts as well. They are pretty heavy duty. Why didnt you pull the gear with the engine. About 80% less bull work. Youll also find that assembled as a unit, it will go in 80% easier as well, plus youll still need to align it.
Unless youre just gonna move it, everybody will think youre not on an even keel LOL. ws

 

[Boatsb]

Those rear mounts wont like the torque they get if you run it up. They are too close to the shaft log and will allow flexing the other mounts would prevent.

 

[Jackman]

I wouldn't do it. First of all a lot more frusration and work than taking the entire thing out tranny and all. How are you going to reach the bolts all around the tranny take the load off of them as well and slide the tranny back off of the engine output shaft on the correct plane because of the splines without hurting yourself or damaging something? If you do get it off without any problems and then try to run the boat with the tranny hangin on the shaft thats a problem waiting to happen even if tied up somehow.....it will still be too much for the shaft logs and damage something moving up and down.

Just my opinion.....I've done it six times on my 32' Hat and taking out 4 bolts is much easier!

 

[BUSTER]

Man does that question bring back memories! Long ago when I was young with children and little money,I did just that for much of one summer. At the time I owned a beautiful custombuilt wooden sportfish,powered with twin Palmer V8's. I had a run of bad luck with the starboard engine,first broke a camshaft,then took a gulp, ruining a rod and crankshaft.To make a long story short,I wasn't about to let that ruin my boating season,so while I waited for parts or machinework,I did remove the prop and ran everywhere,actually getting pretty good with her around the dock too.

 

[REBrueckner]

Will this be a transatlantic voyage? Or are you going from one local marina to another?

If you stay at idle speed in calm water for a short ride, you'll likely be ok, but you can never be too careful on a boat. Don't take any chances.