Maiden Voyage

[TonyAmalfitano]

Well, I took "Sea Holli" out for her Maiden Voyage today, and promptly
blew up the transmission. She started to drop RPM's just before it
went. I checked the trans fluid prior to departing. I suspect the heat
exchanger is clogged. As best as I can tell this transmission is a
HURTH HBW-360A. This is a 1988 A27 FC w/157 Isuzu. Does the trans model sound right? I have limited reference guides regarding this
boat/motor/trans.
I did discover unlimited towing with BoatUS is a good thing to have!
Thanks Guys.

[jcollins]

Tony,
I don't know about the transmission but I am sorry to hear your first trip went bust.

[TonyAmalfitano]

Thanks John, **it happens. The boat was performing as it should, 12 knots @ 2800 RPM, running smooth. Then the RPM's dropped off 200 RPM.
My first thought was a loose throttle, eased her back to 2800. Then it happened again, checked the temp, 160, looked over the stern and there was what looked like steam. I thought, this is not good, and down she went, never had time to react. Dropped her into neutral, dropped the hook, called the tow boat. The good news is, I still have reverse. LOL

[chiefrcd]

Well, welcome to boating. I know how you feel, it seemed the first year I owned my Albin I was fixing, changing, or replacing something. I've had to have the heat exchanger cleaned out too. One of the first things I did was drain and change the fluid in the transmission twice in about 6 months. Now I run Amsoil ATF in it as well as Amsoil in the engine. I know, there is a lot of controversey over running synthetics, but I'm a firm believer, have seen what it did with two Cummins VT 903's with over 6500 hours......and more overly...regardless if it's "worth it"....it makes me feel good.....which I've stated on more than one boating forums board. Good luck. With a boat that is more than 10 years old...you just have to expect a lot of issues will crop up . One of the other things I've done is begin to just change out those wear and tear items out. Headlines, hoses, belts, etc.....just so I don't get stranded out in the wilds. I too use SeaTow and wouldn't leave the dock without it.

[tomcat rio]

Replace Nissan LD28 with Yanmar 4JH3

Last fall, my wife and I decided to purchase our 5th boat and probably the last one that we will have. This one is planned as a refit project and cruiser after the refitting has been completed.

We purchased a 1987 27' Albin Family Cruiser. This boat was found after an extensive search. We took a trip to Lake Norman, near Charlotte, N.C., to take a look at the boat; we took a short run and I did a brief survey. This went well and we made an offer that was accepted the next day. After the transport to Whitney's Marine in Orange Park, Florida, the boat was painted and the cutlass bearing replaced. The 5-hour trip to the home marina, Palm Cove Marina, went well but it seemed that the boat could do a little better in the speed to rpm ratio. The power plant on the boat was a 6 cylinder Nissan diesel (LD28). The vintage is approximately 1992. The original engine was replaced several years back and this one was suppose to have approximately 150 hours.

In Jacksonville there are several prop shops. Blue Water Propellers was engaged to help determine if the existing prop was pitched properly and if not what was recommended. The Prop shop recommended a change in pitch from 14 to 18. The old prop showed signs of galvanic action. So, a new prop (18x18-4 blade) was ordered and installed.

The fun starts now... After installation of the new prop, a test run showed great results until getting ready to return to the marina. On the approach to the marina channel, the Nissan engine decided that it was done. It slowed and stopped. It would not turn over ever again. Since parts are not available for this engine, it was decided a repower was in order. Joel Stuart Marine is one of the best in the area for repower, especially using the Yanmar engines. I contacted Joel to determine which engine would be best based on the boat design and the planned usage. It was decided that the 4JH3, a 100hp turbo, with the 2.5 ZF transmissions would be the best.

This boat has a fairly large engine space and after removing the Nissan it seemed to get even bigger. The old engine and transmission was about 5 feet long. The transmission had to be removed to get the engine out of the boat. The new Yanmar arrived and after using the specs and moving the motor mounts, it was lowered into the engine room. Now there is an additional foot of space forward of the engine. The exhaust had been changed to prevent any back flow of water. Since the aft cabin has lift out boards under the cushions, the access to the exhaust and muffler is very good. The change to a new and different design exhaust proved to be easier than originally thought. One additional change was the prop. The new engine required a Right hand prop. The one just purchased prior to the engine dieing was a Left hand prop. Fortunately, I was able to get the new prop with only a restock fee. Yanmar repower kits come with everything on the engine include a new dash plate. I am very impressed with the installation and with Yanmar's repower kits.

Some early operational specs...
Cruise speed was 7 kts at 2900
New engine & trans 9 kts at 2700
WOT was 13.5 kts at 3400
WOT New 13 kts at 3400
Fuel at cruise 3.5 gph
Estimated new 1.5 gph
Costs...
Pricing for Yanmar kit with tax and shipping $13,700.00
Labor / additional parts for rework of exhaust $3,140.00

[TonyAmalfitano]

Here's the update. My Hurth transmission is dead and gone. I'm picking up a ZF-63A from Mack Boring on 9/23/06. I was told I would have to move my engine 20 MM to the rear. I found a way around that. I have located a 20 MM spacer to be installed between the tranny output shaft flange and the prop shaft flange. For $220.00 it better be made of gold.
I spoke with Adam at Mack Boring, and asked why they don't stock this spacer, or just make their own. Sure beats moving the engine. He agreed and is looking into that. Anyway, with a little luck, and bribe to the mechanic, I should be up and running by the end of next week.
Thank you all for your input and advise.

[jcollins]

Tony,
Good Luck! Hope your second maiden voyage is better than your first.