Took our 1982 27 Cherubini out yesterday to give it some use. Right away I noticed the helm was unusually heavy with the boat pulling strongly to starboard. At first suspected the rudder may have become fouled but continued on out of our channel. I was pleasently surprised that under sail it was straight and light as usual. I realized the pull was due to engine/propeller torque induction. I also noticed that the engine RPM's were down to a max of 2,200 and it was blowing white smoke. I also sensed the engine was running hotter than usual but never triggered the warning lamp or buzzer. I have not had a chance to check anything but I'm trying to think my way through the proble. Has any one experienced this combination of symptoms. I was thinking, if the cutlass bearing or transmission are not allowing the shaft to turn freely that it would result in additional torque and that the added friction would drop the RPMs as the small engine only has 8HP. Like I said I haven't yet checked transmission fluid nor to see if the shaft free wheels. I have not even checked to see if the engine gives me clean RPMs in neutral. Any comments on similar experiences would be appreciated to help trouble shoot the problem.
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Check prop first
first thing I would do is dive under the boat and make sure that nothing is attached to your prop. I doubt that if the engine had a problem and the prop was clean, that it would make it pull to starboard. It surely sounds like something is hooked to your prop. PS we had a 79 H-27 Cherubini - loved the boat! Best of luck Jack
first thing I would do is dive under the boat and make sure that nothing is attached to your prop. I doubt that if the engine had a problem and the prop was clean, that it would make it pull to starboard. It surely sounds like something is hooked to your prop. PS we had a 79 H-27 Cherubini - loved the boat! Best of luck Jack
From your introduction one might conclude...
the propeller is fouled with barnacles. Even a few can upset the engine's performance. Before venturing into deep thought as to what the problem might be, dive in and check out the propeller. Chances are you'll find the problem right away. Good Luck, Dick Dixon S/V CD EXPRESS Homeport: Pascagoula, MS
the propeller is fouled with barnacles. Even a few can upset the engine's performance. Before venturing into deep thought as to what the problem might be, dive in and check out the propeller. Chances are you'll find the problem right away. Good Luck, Dick Dixon S/V CD EXPRESS Homeport: Pascagoula, MS
I have had another thought on
this; open the engine room and check to see if the engine has move on the mounts. Cutlass bearings get loose, not tight. But a transmission failure wouldn't make the boat pull left or right. I wouldn't take her out again until I chased this thing down.
this; open the engine room and check to see if the engine has move on the mounts. Cutlass bearings get loose, not tight. But a transmission failure wouldn't make the boat pull left or right. I wouldn't take her out again until I chased this thing down.
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