I am new to the rebuilding of houseboats, so I do really use this site daily for help...

I have a 1973 Gibson 30' houseboat with a 318 in it.......The old owner let it go and it is ruined......(so a friend of mine tells me)......


Can some one tell me what rotation engine I need to buy??????

and can someone recommend from who???? Jasper, etc????

I am looking to do this right and have a reliable engine to enjoy...

Any and all help is much appreciated.......

Daron

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New to houseboating.....but not boating........
1973 Gibson 30ft (The Mothership)

1996 Rinker Festiva 212...(Dazed and Confused)

Enjoying the Three Rivers of Pittsburgh PA....

If you have two gas engines the engines both rotate the same way. The transmission is the means to left or right hand rotation.

Also. If it has one engine then it's a normal right hand rotation. If it's two then one propeller is right hand the other left. The starboard (right) is right hand, the port (left) is left hand.

Right hand turns clockwise, left hand turns counter clock wise. In other words when a blade is at the top it is moving to the right on a right hand prop. When it is a left hand prop the blade is moving to the left.

However this depends. Most boats are set up this way, but some manufacturers use just the opposite with the props turning inward iinstead of outward.

The reason for this is if both props turn same way the boat tends to crab sideways in the direction of prop rotation. If each turns a different direction the boat goes in a straight line. Also you can use prop rotation to your advantage when turning and docking. If you keep the right in forward and the left in reverse the boat spins on its axis to the left and vice versa. Or even if you are just docking and want to bring the stern into the dock you can walk the stern sideways by stopping the left prop and going ahead slow on the right prop. Again you can reverse the procedure on the left side.

Hope this helps.

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Ike
"Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!"
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Is it powered by a single? If so the engine rotation can be "normal". The prop on a single should turn left hand. This helps in compensating the right rotation of the engine, again helping steer straight.
The engine should be marine built. A different cam, carb, pump, starter, exhaust & ignition system..
.
There is a big difference between "let go" & ruined. IF,,, the main parts are still intact, then I would rebuild. Almost any part can be bought or replaced, or refurbished. The 318 was a good engine & popular. There are plenty of salvage & aftermarket parts out there. I "think" there was a auto build & a truck (heavyer duty) build. Join a Dodge hotrod forum, they will soon educate you about them
You will be amazed at what some elbow grease and mineral spirits will do to a "let go" engine. Strip er down, then let a engine rebuilder tell you where you stand before chucking it overboard.
Remember the other 1/2 of reliability is the drive system.

I beg to differ on the post that on twin engine boats both engines rotate the same direction. On my 74 Nauataline I had twin 318's and they were counter rotating engines,(one L/H & one R/H ) the engine makers engine ID tag will tell you the rotation of the engine. From what i have read over the years the reason for counter rotating engines was the older planetary transmisions on most boats where not capable on "full power" in reverse. Now that most transmissions on newer boats are modern gear type transmisions that will handle "full power reverse" they install the same rotation engines and reverse the rotation through the transmision. On your chrysler engine tag, the tag will have the engine # LM 318 and will be followed by LH or RH that is your engine rotation. The tag is normally attached to the intake manafold by the distributer. The only exception I have ever seen to the counter rotating engines in a twin engine boat was one with Volvo outdrives. on volvo outdrives you can switch the rotation of the engines by switching the linkage on the rocker arms on the outdrive. This is accessed through the rear cover and can be done with out pulling the boat.
Good Luck with your project



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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN

Edited: 12/25/2007 at 07:26:03 AM by MILLERTYME

Many houseboats useing Chrysler engines and Paragon transmissions that had twins had L H (standard) and R H (opposite) Rotation engines. The boats that had both standard rotation engines were equipped with Warner (Velvet Drive)Vee drives. One drive had an internal chaine drive and the other had gears to change the rotation direction.

The engine manufacturers stopped making opposite rotation engines available and the transmission people make transmissions available that can run in either direction 100 percent.

There is a lot of confusion on rotation because you determine rotation on a boat looking at the flywheel end. On an automotive application you look at the pulley end. Take a look at the link. http://www.boatpartsinfo.com/engine-rotation.html

BTW unless your in salt water it is almost impossible to "ruin" a 318 beyond repair.

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OLD HOUSEBOATER

Edited: 12/25/2007 at 07:42:41 PM by OLD HOUSEBOATER

Daron, here is "something" to give you an idea of what world you entered when talking about engines. Just some reference prices.
http://www.amarket.com/index.htm