CLUTCH

For technical tips, questions etc. on all subjects except Engines and Boilers.
racerfrank
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CLUTCH

Post by racerfrank »

Does any one use a clutch to engage or disengage the prop shaft . If so could you post a photo?


Frank
Mike Rometer
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by Mike Rometer »

Personally I cant really see the need, but if you must, a simple dog clutch should suffice.
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Lopez Mike
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by Lopez Mike »

Wes, 87gn, has one on his boat. Let's him warm up the engine without pulling on the dock lines. Maybe he'll see this and post some information. I've never needed one.
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froya66
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by froya66 »

If sailing in waters with a lot of weed along the brinks, it will also help keeping the propeller clear. I am also interested!
boatbum
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by boatbum »

Wes's boat has a clutch because the controls for the monotube boiler requre the engine to power the fuel, feed and condensate pumps. Thus the need for a sailing clutch. Hopefully he'll chime in with details.

Cheers

Keith
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by preaton »

My boat is hybrid (An electric motor is hidden in the seat) I therefore need a clutch. Modes of operation are Steam, Electric and Steam charging batteries.

Photo enclosed
Attachments
Clutch.jpg
Clutch.jpg (244.18 KiB) Viewed 13320 times
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marinesteam
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by marinesteam »

Is the rope there to keep that beast of an engine from jumping out of the boat? :D

Ken
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by preaton »

I was dropping the engine in and lining up. Here's another view of the clutch.
Image
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fredrosse
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by fredrosse »

Is the electric propulsion motor also the generator for battery charging? If so:

Does your clutch setup allow ?
1. Steam Propulsion, Motor not turning
2. Motor Propulsion, Steam Engine not turning
3. Steam turning motor, Propeller not turning
4. Steam turning motor, Propeller turning also

I have an inboard electric boat, and am converting to steam/electric, and was thinking of just leaving the motor/generator pulley always connected to the engine shaft. I only plan on using the electric drive while docking, only steam while underway. When the motor/generator is turning without electrical connection it requires very little turning torque, like a flywheel essentially.
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DetroiTug
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Re: CLUTCH

Post by DetroiTug »

Fred,

I'm using an XL X .375 timing belt to turn a small Motor/generator and when it isn't charging there doesn't seem to be any power lost at all. Now if the battery is low and I flip the charge switch, can definitely hear the engine drop down a note. The motor I'm using which is a 60 volt DC servo motor, had bronze bushings in it and I pulled it apart and re-machined the endplates and put sealed ball bearings in it. Turns very smooth with little resistance.

Preaton, the clutch looks like it will do that job. Beautiful York Compound too!

-Ron
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