Here is an easy question for some of you. The boat I just purchased has twin Honda 35's. I am told by the mechanic that the engines should not be perfectly parallel, front to back, but slightly towed in in the rear. Has anyone else done this? If so, what should the difference in inches or fractions be between the steering bars in the front, center to center, and the prop shafts in the rear, center to center. I am told the distance across the back should be slightly less than across the front. Something about the prop wash and how it meets up on twins.
twin engine alignment
- Thread starter lloyds
- Start date
In my experience the motors need a small amount of toe in.
Our boat came with about 3/8" toe out and keeping a steady course was difficult. I thought it was the no feedback steering system and I hated it.
After a little research I gave the motors 1/4" toe in and the problem was solved.
These measurements were made from nose cone to nose cone and prop shaft to prop shaft.
Our boat came with about 3/8" toe out and keeping a steady course was difficult. I thought it was the no feedback steering system and I hated it.
After a little research I gave the motors 1/4" toe in and the problem was solved.
These measurements were made from nose cone to nose cone and prop shaft to prop shaft.
There are several previous discussions on twin alignment. I think some toe-in is the norm. However, how much is dependent on several things including hull shape, prop depth, horsepower and engine spacing.
Do a Google search for "toe-in," with the site or domain restricted to "c-brats.com"
Do a Google search for "toe-in," with the site or domain restricted to "c-brats.com"
I noticed that the engines on C-Cakes were not parallel and asked Les at EQ. He told me they were not supposed to be parallel and gave a logical reason (which I have forgotten 
) so I quit worrying. As to how much off parallel they should be, I don't know. Maybe Larry H. or Marc at Wefings could weigh in.
) so I quit worrying. As to how much off parallel they should be, I don't know. Maybe Larry H. or Marc at Wefings could weigh in.lloyds":zc93loc9 said:
Even if Milehog's correct it doesn't make sense to me, but will believe him unless someone else proves differently. Seems to me a 4 wheeled vehicle front being towed in keeping it in a more of a straight path would translate to the twin motors being trimmed in at the props also.
I know the Hunkydory steers straight and great so am going to take measurements on it.
Jay
lloyds":3pyhzod2 said:
I've heard of checking the wake but have no idea of how far back the wash-wave-prop wash should converge.
OMC suggests starting at 1/2" toe in for V hull boats. Boston Whaler suggests 1/2" to 3/4" for their boats. I've read deeper V hulls need more toe in than flatter bottemed boats.
colobear in an old post (04-21-2008) stated that Karl the engine guy at EQ Marine said a little toe in is wanted.
I should have measured twice and posted once on this thread instead I remeasured after returning from work and found in my rush to measure and post before having to leave for work had given wrong measurement. The correct measurement on the Hunkydory is 24" at the props and 23" at the center of steering attachment ears, so the props are towed out. Always thought it steered good and hate to mess with what seems to be working, but now thinking maybe I do need to adjust.
Jay
Jay
This thread reminds me of my youthful days in Dad's hardware store and later years in Lowes prior to working a few years for Uncle Sam. When selling someone a new screen door, you have to ask... is it left or right hinged????? About 95% of the time, the person being asked the question, would, for what ever reason in the world, turn away from me and then act like they were swinging the screen door open and going thru the door at their home. They would turn back around and face me, and give me the answer.
I always wondered why they felt the need to turn around first? Maybe they wanted me to follow them inside and have a beer for helping them with the door??? :beer I do not know. :teeth :thup :smiled
Write this day down in history. I even took the time to run spell check on the above statement and ZERO mispelled words.... OK, so maybe I need to ask the administrators if spell check is broke...or toed in or out.
I always wondered why they felt the need to turn around first? Maybe they wanted me to follow them inside and have a beer for helping them with the door??? :beer I do not know. :teeth :thup :smiled
Write this day down in history. I even took the time to run spell check on the above statement and ZERO mispelled words.... OK, so maybe I need to ask the administrators if spell check is broke...or toed in or out.
Well, except for the word "mispelled" :twisted: 8)T.R. Bauer
New member
I really have a hard time believing that a half an inch (or so) makes a hoot of a difference on something that goes so slow (our boats) cruising in something with comparably little friction (water compared to tires on the pavement). Certainly there is a reason for the recommendation for toe in or toe out as there has to be some specification, tolerance, or guideline, because that is what engineers do. But if the boat tracks straight and you're happy with it, why mess around?