Engine removal.

[NbPlod]

Simple question. Can I take the engine out of my boat while it's still in the water?

[Alan de Enfield]

14 minutes ago, NbPlod said:

Simple question. Can I take the engine out of my boat while it's still in the water?

Simple answer - Yes

[NbPlod]

Simply splendid.

[Sea Dog]

Sounds like it's all going to be simple then!

[Alan de Enfield]

[NbPlod]

No meerkats were harmed in the making of this post.

[Sea Dog]

Meerkats - a natural product for wiping your greasy hands on! This project is really coming together - and in a very green way!

[mrsmelly]

Do remember to leave the prop shaft in place though still int toil 

[BEngo]

Also watch for an increase in nose-down trim. This may flood gas or other lockers at the bow.

N

[MtB]

49 minutes ago, NbPlod said:

Simple question. Can I take the engine out of my boat while it's still in the water?

 

Far easier to do it while the bote is still in the water than whilst going along...

[rusty69]

Easy if its an out board. 

[RLWP]

Where you remove it is usually the problem

[Alan de Enfield]

But the question was "CAN IT BE DONE" not what are the problems, difficulties, complications and effect on motive power of the boat.

[rusty69]

Just now, Alan de Enfield said:

But the question was "CAN IT BE DONE" not what are the problems, difficulties, complications and effect on motive power of the boat.

No, the question was "can i" 

[Alan de Enfield]

2 minutes ago, rusty69 said:

No, the question was "can i" 

Good point - maybe the op is a mechanical genius or a total numpty - we have no way in knowing.

So - the answer to post no1 should be "we don't know'

 

I was going to edit my original reply but the option has time expired - hopefully the OP will read down the thread.

Edited March 30, 2018 by Alan de Enfield

[Flyboy]

A couple of years ago on the upper T&M  I passed a boat that had its BMC completely stripped down on the towpath.  All the parts right down to the crankshaft out were laid out on a tarpaulin. It looked like it had been lifted out using an improvised wooden gantry. I reckon that the main problem would be getting it onto the towpath, but the owner may have stripped it on the cruiser stern.

[Alan de Enfield]

13 minutes ago, Flyboy said:

A couple of years ago on the upper T&M  I passed a boat that had its BMC completely stripped down on the towpath.  All the parts right down to the crankshaft out were laid out on a tarpaulin. It looked like it had been lifted out using an improvised wooden gantry. I reckon that the main problem would be getting it onto the towpath, but the owner may have stripped it on the cruiser stern.

Some time ago there was a member of the forum (before he was banned and went to the other side) who had taken his engine apart (I think he had removed an injector) and had convinced C&RT for about 2 years that he couldn't move as he was waiting for a part - he even put a hydraulic hoist on the back of the boat to enable him to re-fit it.

I believe that eventually he did take a mooring.

[Sea Dog]

14 minutes ago, Flyboy said:

A couple of years ago on the upper T&M  I passed a boat that had its BMC completely stripped down on the towpath.  All the parts right down to the crankshaft out were laid out on a tarpaulin. It looked like it had been lifted out using an improvised wooden gantry. I reckon that the main problem would be getting it onto the towpath, but the owner may have stripped it on the cruiser stern.

I always carry an old valve spring and a small nut, both with a little patina about them, for just such an occasion.  Slyly drop them on the tarpaulin with the other bits as you distract the owner with a cheery "good morning", and enjoy an intermittent evil chuckle for quite a few days to come. 

[MtB]

19 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

I always carry an old valve spring and a small nut, both with a little patina about them, for just such an occasion.  Slyly drop them on the tarpaulin with the other bits as you distract the owner with a cheery "good morning", and enjoy an intermittent evil chuckle for quite a few days to come. 

 

I doubt this would work in reality. When I dismantle a piece of engineering I remember and recognise each and every single part. A few extra bits would be sussed and rejected instantly. 

[Sea Dog]

Just now, Mike the Boilerman said:

 

I doubt this would work in reality. When I dismantle a piece of engineering I remember and recognise each and every single part. A few extra bits would be sussed and rejected instantly. 

I was only joking, but I think you'd be in a minority. Remember what the original question was here...

[MtB]

8 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

I was only joking

 

I know you were, but I was doing that child/adult/parent thing described in transactional analysis

[RLWP]

14 minutes ago, Mike the Boilerman said:

 

I know you were, but I was doing that child/adult/parent thing described in transactional analysis

I don't think you are supposed to game transactional analysis

[TheBiscuits]

1 hour ago, RLWP said:

Where you remove it is usually the problem

I have heard that there are special gantries provided in some locations for engine removal.

(Picture hardly related at all. Oh no Guv!)

[jake_crew]

There are also hydraulic lifts available, though you have to supply your own gantry.

Edited March 30, 2018 by jake_crew

[Canal321]

Block and tackle slung around a sturdy overhanging tree branch. Worked for me in the past...