bertram31.com

Replacing 454's with cummins 5.9 engines. Anyone have ideas for new bed architecture? I have removed bertram wood sisters already.

Here's a couple of links that may help you out...

http://bertram31.com/proj/tips/engines.htm

http://bertram31.com/newbb/viewtopic.ph ... lit=+ramps

Bob has a formula for a template..for the Cummins buddys...worked great for me.. one 4x4 & a couple 2x4s

Ipe epoxy bedded to stringers, capped with 3/8" welded u 6061 aluminum, ramps are 1/2" 6061 welded and through bolted thru entire stringer and top to bottom with 1/2" bolts..


Nice to have access under the engines...

Whaler,

after removing the Bertram 454 beds did you cut down the remaing strigers at all? Also, do you have any shop drawings for the aluminum motor risers?

Twoanil, you have to make your mounts meet the engine shaft alignment. Each boat is different. I hung the engines from a gantry pulled a string from the rudders forward, set the rear engine mounts as low as possible to clear the hull with the tranny. The tranny angle and strut shaft angle are a "given" line them up with laser or string and fab your mounts out of wood. Then off to good metal shop and leave a lil room for adjustment. Presto just what whaler has in those pics. BH
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I tossed the stock cummins mounts not even close. I used plywood, 2 x 4s and cedar shims get it just where it "needs" to be. My machine shop guy loved them. Don't forget to leave extra room for the water pump impeller removal. I worked that forward engine mount until I could change the impeller without jacking up the motor, only needed a bit of caressing with an angle grinder.I sent my set of wood templates to Luis in Portugal. BH

Thanks Bob, I realize every installation is different and every bit of info regarding trials and errors of others helps with making decisions without going backwards. Thanks again I like your idea of making wood parts for welder.