Sailing Yabá · video

What this video covers

The crew of the wooden schooner Yabá installs a custom-fabricated thrust bearing assembly to connect the propeller shaft to the engine.7:04 After discovering the original bearing housing—a cylindrical drum known as a mancao—was missing, the team constructs a new mounting system using a one-centimetre-thick steel plate bolted to the floor timbers.0:26 Because the new bearing housing exceeds the original clearance, the crew chisels and grinds the surrounding wooden floor timbers to ensure the assembly sits flush.15:14 The installation requires precise alignment of the shaft, a custom-welded flange to secure the bearing, and the application of grease to the internal grooves.10:04 To test the propulsion system without water resistance, the crew rigs a temporary PVC exhaust and fills the cooling system with fresh water.20:42 After securing the cardan shaft and tightening all fasteners, the engine successfully engages the propeller.26:25 The project confirms that custom-machined components and careful structural modification can restore a drivetrain when original parts are lost.

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