New Gearbox for MV. Challenge

Our Gearbox Storyboard
Just as our 2013 season got going we were faced with a major breakdown with our old but reliable gearbox. On the way back from refuelling at Bow we started to loose forward thrust. At first we thought that this was something snared on the prop, but that was clear. As the weekend went on the situation got worse and we lost reverse thrust.

On examination of the oil we could feel small metal particles and smell burning. As such we had no option but to remove the gearbox for stripping down on the bench.

Gearbox and drive plate removed for closer examination

Once stripped down we found that a number of components were beyond repair and no longer available from stock. This would have meant rebuilding the gearbox with a combination of new and old parts, with no guarantee how long it would last. Also damaged was the drive plate, which is fortunately still widely available.

Our committee decided that the best course of action would be to fit a new gearbox, even though it was not a cheap option. Our gearbox of choice was a PRM 750, which was compatible with our prop and the pitch.

The new PRM 750 Gearbox is lowered into place

Also fitted was a new driveplate

 

 

Once the gearbox and drive plate were fitted all we needed to do was take Challenge for some sea trials to ensure the gearbox was working in unison with the engine, propshaft and propeller. 

 





The new gearbox works a treat

 

Want to help? See our box below on how to volunteer with Docklands Canal Boat Trust and participate in the excitement and joy of working on Challenge. You may even get your hands full of grease and sample our wonderful ‘Pottage de Challenge’, a patented soup developed in our galley for volunteers and supporters of our charity.

 

Volunteer & Trustee Recruitment

Have sleepless nights and get your hands dirty on MV. Challenge. We can offer you something  exciting and invigorating with very few perks and you’ll probably never meet a celebrity! However, what you will gain from joining us as a volunteer on Challenge will stay with you for the rest of your life and will bring joy to our numerous disabled users. If you want to consider becoming a volunteer or trustee then follow our recruitment drive on our Blog at http://www.mvchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MVChallenge   A full recruitment and information pack is also available on our website at http://www.dcbt.org.uk/publications.html