Changing transmission while boat is in the water

[Horstuff]

Jim G posted back on this in another post I had, but I thought it made sense to create a new question about it... maybe others would find it helpful too.

I have a 1948 27 foot Enclosed Cruiser with the original M engine and Paragon transmission. Can the transmission be changed while the engine is in the boat and the boat is still in the water?

[RRGadow]

Sure can...just did mine last month....you will need a second set of hands to help handle the weight..so you dont drop it thru the bottom of your boat!

[jim g]

yes It can you just need something to pick the back of the motor up. when I work on the cruisers at the marina I attach a long chain to the engine and the other end the the marinas forklift and pick up the back of the engine and put a 4x4 block under the rear mounts that will pretty much make the engine sit level and the trans can be removed.

A couple of other things I remove the rear mount bolts and loosen the front ones and remove the water intake hose from the pump.

[Captain Nemo]

The previous are all good suggestions. I think you might need an A-frame affair w/ a come-a-long for your sedan cruiser, if you you can't pick it from above externally. I have used doubled up 2X6's w/ a clevis thru bolted at the top for this. You can get he engine out by "walking" it out the door, just picking it up a little and leaning and setting it down. In this case you will be just lifting the back of the engine a little so it won't be too bad.

[Horstuff]

Thanks for the replies.

RRGadow, were you able to change yours without lifting the engine at all? Sounds like that's what you're saying, and it would be nice to not have to lift the engine at all. If I have to, so be it, but all that's gonna add up when it comes time to pay the mechanic.

[Rugger8]

show some pics. I have changed my transmission out, but I lifted the entire engine with a engine hoist in my salon. Not sure where your engines are located. If you go that route, I would add supports to your floor and additional plywood to support the weight.

Jeff

[farupp]

He has a single M engine. A picture is in this thread:

http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... highlight=

I believe he can change the transmission with the engine in the boat.

[doubleboater]

I dont knw if someone has mentioned it or not but you need to suck ALL the REMAINING OIL out of the engine and take the cover off the trans and suck out all that oil also..... because boat motors sit so low in the boat theres really no good way to get to the drain plugs.. machanics an boat owners use a long thin hose attached to a tank that sucks the old oil out the filler neck. Also try to drain oil cooler of any used although most of that oil should have drained down bygravity..... have plenty of rags and "diapers" to catch drips.....good luck

[RRGadow]

yes...you will have to lift the back end of your engine up a little....just stretch a 4x4 across the hatch making sure its long enough to spread the wieght out...then use some adjustable cargo straps to hang the it while you change it out....and yes, make sure you drain the oil!

[RRGadow]

...and dont forget to disconnect the hose that goes from the water pump to the hull inlet.

[Horstuff]

Thanks to all for the replies. I think I'm gonna tackle it myself with a friend who's a bit more engine savvy than I... wood doesn't scare me but engines have never been my thing. Maybe it's time I learn. Thanks again.