Working Together To Keep
Young Lives On Course.

LASER ENGINE ALIGNMENT

 

 laser engine alignment in a shipyard costs thousands of dollars, but for those of us on a budget, we use a piece of aluminum round stock turned the same size as the shaft, drill a hole in it using a rifle sighting laser as an alignment tool for about $35.00 Aluminum round stock with the laser alignment tool in the coupler.  The coupler is then bolted onto the end of the transmission drive coupler; when the laser is turned on, it will follow the shaft.  Use a piece of Plexiglas to hold in front of the strut, if the laser hits the center the engine is aligned, if not adjust the engine until laser hits the center of the plexiglas.  Move the plexiglas to the back side of the strut once the engine is aligned, if the laser is not centered then the strut is out of alignment and must be aligned.
     
The nice thing about having a welding instructor is when you need a lower unit stand, then the welding class can fabricate one Safe Harbor's welding instructor volunteers his time two days a week.  When he volunteered he told Dr. Smith he was not a teacher, just a welder, but he gave it a try.  In one day the welding students were welding stainless like pros.  Looks like he might be a teacher after all.  

This is Mr. Buddy he was our friend, he passed away 11/24/07. We miss our Buddyyyyy
This is our outdrive stand that welding class fabricated.  They have made bow rails for their boats; dinghy davits; bimini top frames; and tuna towers.  It is very amazing what a teenage boy can learn to do!!