Shaft Alignment

[Tireless]

As for how much it must be shimmed, i guess it would depend on how it would calculate out at the other end of the shaft. That is my hope.

In order to centre the shaft in the shaft tunnel, is it sufficient to use wedges to hold it in the centre during the adjustment process. Not all mechanics would have a laser set up.

Greg

[bud37]

QR_BBPOST and never noticed or mentioned by all the previous owners, technicians, etc.

Quite the list of who may have picked this up, up to and including the surveyor in this case....really obvious with the boat out.
So Greg you did have an impact and damage repair?...

Sorry I can't help with the shims, but it does seem logical to spread the load as much as possible if it comes to that.

[Tireless]

Bud37, three years ago I had a strike on both sides. Had my spare props put on in Little Current. The shafts were gauged and they reported they were not bent. However, had no idea the struts would be out of line until now. This was the first survey I have had since then and first attempt at doing a shaft alignment.

When I think back, I should have had things examined. I had no vibration issues or reason to think thing were out of line till now.

So, need to deal with it now. Biggest challenge is to ensure it is done right.

Greg

[bud37]

Aha......I see now...there were some rather odd tells, loose bolts etc........well good luck with your repair and stay on top of it as it appears you are, hopefully you can look forward to many more years of trouble free boating .

[bud37]

One more to add.....the final adjustments should always be made with the boat in the water after it has had chance to relax for lets say 24 hours.

[Viper]

QR_BBPOST ....In order to centre the shaft in the shaft tunnel, is it sufficient to use wedges to hold it in the centre during the adjustment process. Not all mechanics would have a laser set up...

Wedges are absolutely fine.

Now that we have a little more detail, namely your impact, it all makes sense and collaborates that it's likely not a result of a poor install at factory. It should have been caught after the last impact though.

[Tireless]

I have advised my mechanic today that I want him the remove the shaft and struts. I am going to deliver them to United Propeller, in Orillia. I spoke to United today and they advised me they will examine them to see if the struts and shafts are true using their laser sent up. I did not know that this service is free and they will provide the report.

They can repair both struts and shafts if required.

If the struts are in fact “bent” they can repair them which in turn reduce the shims.

This way I will know what is not true and that will assist with the overall alignment.

Stay tuned…

Greg

[Viper]

I think it's a smart move, it's what I would do, and unless I was absolutely sure they are tuned, I would take the props in too. United will look after you, I deal with them all the time. If the shaft is bent, Amanda will let you know if it's smart to straighten it or not. They'd be able to straighten most shafts but a lot of times, they can revert back to their bent state over time, so sometimes, it's not worth it. Even if everything turns out okay, at least you'll be confident knowing your gear is to spec. BTW, now is also the time to talk to Amanda about tweaking the props if you're trying to achieve a certain performance curve.

[Tireless]

Viper, my intention was to take the props as well. They will end up being my spare props. I have the props that the fixed in the box. My intention was to return them onto the boat.

At least I will know if the struts are bent, or they weren’t mounted properly during manufacture.

I think this examination will tell a story and indicate exactly what is going on.

Thanks all for your valued input, much appreciated..

Greg

[Viper]

The installer should be lapping the mating surfaces of the shafts and props before installing the props. If he doesn't start by doing that, ask why, then reconsider who you get to work on the boat next time! United can do that for you at the shop too. Take the nuts and keys into Amanda and ask her opinion about reusing or replacing.

By the way, who is doing the work for Driftwood now?