Honey grab a fender !!!!!!

[SEAWISE]

Gary wrote
Since she has a long and deep keel, again you need to think more along the lines of a sailboat. You need to get the keel going in the direction you want then go, it works in either direction.
Quite frankly once you get used to the keel you will love it, we all do!
Hey Gary
Thanks for the information. And because you own a 41c owner I am sure you are right. Maybe I just need more wheel time. I agree with the concept of keeping a long deep keel boat moving for control purposes. Just like a single engine boat you need the forward movment for control. I used to have a 36 Columbia sailboat. If you made the mistake of stopping her while docking, forget it she was not going to do anything, at best she would just see-saw a little. You had just as well back up and start over again. However in the real world when your on a “new boat” with boats all around and in close quarters, and she is not going where you want her to, and your getting a bit nervous about her handling. Your first instinct is to slow her down a bit. We have all heard the old adage, never go faster than you would like to hit something! And of course that’s when you shoot yourself in the foot so to speak.... But back to my original question, and consern. I still cannot help wondering if the props being reversed at least to some degee have "something" to do with her "lack of" slow speed handleing.

 

[67hat34c]

seems 4 blade props are more responsive than 3 blade props. If you are running with 3 then try 4.

 

[NAN-PO 41]

Seawise,
I don't know how much having the opposite rotation props on the incorrect side will affect slow speed handling (never experienced that).
I have a 1966 41' tc with 8v 53's (same hull different cabin) and it is a dream to handle. The boat is heavy for it's size and is maybe a touch slow to respond at idle speed but it will back straight (even in a wind) turn on a dime, and stop instantly with a tap of the throttles.
Fred

 

[SEAWISE]

Seawise,
I have a 1966 41' tc with 8v 53's (same hull different cabin) and it is a dream to handle. The boat is heavy for it's size and is maybe a touch slow to respond at idle speed but it will back straight (even in a wind) turn on a dime, and stop instantly with a tap of the throttles.
Fred

Fred
Thanks for that bit of information. I cant help but think the props have a "lot" to do with the way she handles. I wish I could find out more information about reversing the transmissions. I have had some tell me that it doesn't matter, they will perform just as well one way as the other. And I have had one person tell me that there is a "procedure" some type of "thing" on the front of the transmission that allows you to change the direction without hurting the unit. It would be a simple matter to send a diver over and change the prop's and quick job to change the shfters out. If anyone knows someone I could call and find out more about the operation of the transmissions I sure would appreacate it. I am sure we will get it figured out.
cy

 

[Genesis]

DO NOT CHANGE THE PROPS IN THE WATER!

Get quick-hauled to do it.

There is a very real risk of improper installation of the prop in the water causing key-riding - and shaft breakage.

This is nearly impossible to detect and prevent on an in-water change. Pay for the quick-haul.

You need to get the model numbers off your gears and contact the manufacturer to see if they can be run in the other direction without trouble. Some can, some cannot. Allisons, for example, CANNOT.

 

[SEAWISE]

DO NOT CHANGE THE PROPS IN THE WATER!

There is a very real risk of improper installation of the prop in the water causing key-riding - and shaft breakage.

This is nearly impossible to detect and prevent on an in-water change. Pay for the quick-haul.

You need to get the model numbers off your gears and contact the manufacturer to see if they can be run in the other direction without trouble. Some can, some cannot. Allisons, for example, CANNOT.

Thanks Genesis
After thinking how much trouble I had getting the starboard prop on while in the slings, I think you are right. I will find someone that can lift her up. I will see what kind of transmissions I have when I go down to the boat later this week.

 

[Pascal]

if you had it survey, the surveryor must have included the type, model and serial numbers of your trannies in his report...

 

[SEAWISE]

I spent most of Wednesday on the boat. I spent a lot of time documenting the transmissions, digital pictures etc. They are Borg Warner, Velvet Drives. The model number on the tag is 10-18-106. However after talking to several transmission specialists it appears that there were updates performed on the transmissions. As it stands now it appears that I will have no option but to swap the transmissions. Seems that this model transmission is not one of the units that can simply be reversed. Apparently someone in the old girls history screwed up and switched the transmissions. That’s the bad news; the good news is, at least there is ample room to make the swap. It appears to be a “one day job” So I should be finished by Christmas (haaa) anyway that should solve that problem of the props being reversed. We will have to wait and see if she handles any better.
The only other problem I have found at this point is a coolant leak on the starboard engine, DD 6-53. There is a leak when the engine comes up to running temps. The coolant reservoir has a upper and a lower mounting bracket. The upper one is located directly below the thermostat housing. It is held on with two 9/16 bolts. When the engine heats up and the system begins to build pressure there is a small leak showing up at the bottom where the reservoir and the bracket meet. Just looking at it I don’t see why the reservoir would be open to leak from that area. I suppose the bolts could screw all the way into the reservoir. I would have thought there would have been a boss built into the reservoir. Or I suppose it is possible that the leak is from the thermostat housing and is leaking down around the bracket. Are any of you guys familiar with this?