Michael H. Bartlett
We have been solving yacht and ship shaft and engine alignment problems since 1998, with over 1500 successful procedures in boatyards, shipyards, and builders' facilities nationally and internationally.
Southeast Marine Engine Sales- dealer for Pleasurecraft, specializing in repowering cruisers and runabouts including shaft, strut, and engine alignments.
1983 -
Repower Systems- Westerbeke dealer, repowering sailboats, removing Atomic 4's and Perkins diesels, installing new Westerbeke diesels including alignment work.
1989-
Associated Marine Technologies- mechanical supervisor, yard manager, service manager, general manager.
1998 -
Optical alignment specialist for Quantum Marine Engineering of Florida, Inc.
2013 -
Formed Marine Alignment, Inc, to become Fort Lauderdales' only independent and mobile yacht, ship, and industrial alignment service company.
Optical Alignment
Equipment, experience, skills
Optical alignment provides precise and efficient shaft and engine alignment. However, an experienced operator who can work with shipyard personnel effectively, including working with project managers, captains, and yacht management teams is as important as properly calibrated and certified optical alignment equipment. All repair and build projects have schedules and scope, and experience is the key to achieving desired results.
Attention to detail and a passion for quality have to combine with technical knowledge and experience. Interpreting measurements and coming up with solutions require more than the ability to operate the equipment- solving problems effectively and economically demands more than a little experience in the field.
Cakewalk
Cakewalk- largest yacht by volume ever built in the USA. Built by Derecktor in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Optical alignment set the struts, working with a team of welders and fabricators for the foundational shaft line. The shaft line alone on this yacht was over 70' long and starting with the marine gears. The procedure involved adjusting the forward and aft ends of the stern tubes and two struts per side to the optically established shaft lines.
Limitless
When Intermarine in Savannah needed a report on bearing alignment on this large Lurssen yacht an optical alignment telescope measured the system and provided the information required.
Mighty Mouse
All types of vessels benefit from optical alignment. Mighty Mouse, shown here at Rybovich in West Palm Beach, Florida, needed a report on engine and bearing alignment. While there is alignment tooling available for any shaft size, the benefits of optical shaft alignment really start to pay off at 2.5" and up. Marine Alignment has the tooling and targets available for all size shafts, and can quickly fabricate or modify on site if and as needed.
Derecktor-Florida
Now that Derecktor has the largest mobile lift in Florida, and the tallest in the world (read about it here), the old railway in the picture is just a fond memory.Marine Alignment is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and available to travel anywhere. For projects further than Tampa or Savannah where flying is required we ship the equipment. Marine Alignment provides flexible and economical service anywhere, and works with all the yards in the Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area as a direct and local supplier of services.
Advantages
Accurate
Optical yacht and ship shaft and engine alignment is precise, repeatable, and documented.
Efficient
Marine Alignment's optical alignment equipment is configured and ready for the marine repair and build environment, minimizing setup time.
Cost Effective
Getting the right result the first time creates the best use of resources. Marine Alignment provides the best outcome in the most efficient manner.
Skills
In addition to mastery of optical alignment equipment and technology, Marine Alignment's familiarity and expertise in the marine repair and construction industry provides a competitive advantage.
Cakewalk
Limitless
Mighty Mouse
Derecktor-Florida