We performed a "back down test" as described here: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Alignment2.htm
We didn't see major shifting of the engine on the mounts, but we did see some shifting. At idle RPM's, our shaft wobbles quite a lot. I've no doubt at all that this is seriously wearing out our packing gland and probably our cutlass bearing too, although I won't see that until this fall's haul-out for the winter. When we increase RPM's to 1000 or 1200, the wobble goes away -- evidence of the above link's description of "self aligning" due to centrifugal forces. I can put my hand on the transmission coupling to the shaft and I don't feel any wobble at cruising speeds -- 2,000 to 2,400 RPM. This is a huge concern for us, because while we decided to nurse-maid the packing gland until our fall haul-out, I also don't want a sudden problem that will sink our boat before then. I'm actually considering installing a second bilge pump as backup to our primary electric pump of unknown vintage. We left the boat one weekend during stormy weather and upon our re-visit, our house battery was dead and there was 2" of water over the bilge top. Of course we will no longer leave the boat without shore power until this is corrected. Any advice from the super smart people on this list? I previously noted that our port-side, front engine mount top nut was completely loose and we hand-tightened it, but we really have no idea how our engine mounts should be tightened. We know they should not be cocked at an angle at rest but beyond that we're still clueless. Thanks everyone! David s/v Persephone 1988 Hull # 6480 TR Chicago, IL
