Not an outboard but...

Wow -- they build the ships around the engine -- imagine building a CD AROUND that engine! Many folks talk about "going up to a bigger boat," but "up" to that engine? Whew -- a how stopper.
 
Some of these large engines allow decoupling of various cylinders. This allows using less power when the ship is light--or even working on the cylinder when the ship is at sea.
 
Charlie:
Sulzer engines are really well-build and designed. Chief Engineers love them! We installed Underway Replenishment Fueling-At-Sea Modules on two T-5 tankers (USNS Matthiesen & Gianella) to augment the US Navy fleet during Desert Shield/Storm. I trained the civilian crews and sailed on the Gianella during the Operation. Both ships had Sulzer 5 cylinder-18,400 HP 5RTA76 engines. One spare piston/cylinder assy was always kept decarbonized, re-ringed, etc. and ready for service. At predermined port visits, the ship's engineers would swap-out one assy for the other. The removed assy would then be overhauled and made ready for the next swap. The engines are maintained in that manner and both ships are still sailing around the world!
Paul K
 
Remember that all of these huge engines are very low RPM--often less than 100 RPM. Some run in the mid 50 RPM at cruising speed..
 
A ship with a 100RPM motor could run for over 18 straight days and still not spin as many revolutions as an outboard running for 10 hours at a crusing RPM of 4500.

Long life indeed!
 
Another thing that aids in longevity in these engines is that they are cross head design so that there is virtually no lateral force on the piston and cylinder
 
Back
Top