Bent Shaft???

(calabriaman) · (calabriaman) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 05-21-2007, 6:35 PM

Just this past weekend we hit a floating log and instantly the rattle and shake occurred when going over about 10mph. I figured it was the prop but when we took it out of the water the prop looked fine. I think it may be the shaft. Everything looks fine, so I dont know. Anyone have any thoughts? Anyone bend their shaft before?

(99_slaunch) · (99_slaunch) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 05-21-2007, 6:45 PM

Just because the prop looks fine does not mean it's not bent. I would pull the prop and have it checked first. Then if it still has a vibration do the shaft. Just my thoughts. Good luck!

nwwakerider 05-21-2007, 6:47 PM

i hit a log a couple years ago and the prop didnt look bent, but it was. replaced the prop and the shaft was fine.

(calabriaman) · (calabriaman) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 05-21-2007, 6:55 PM

great thanks guys.

(colorider) · (colorider) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 05-21-2007, 8:54 PM

Could easily have bent your strut. That thingy that the shaft goes through

(peter_c) · (peter_c) **Join Date: Sep 2001** 05-21-2007, 11:32 PM

It isn't hard to measure the shaft runout. Take less then a couple of minutes setting up a magnetic base dial indicator to the trailer, lubing the prop shaft, then turn the prop by hand and watch the dial move. You just have to be smooth as you turn the prop. Harbor Freight probably some cheapo crap dial indicator that would work for checking runout, or have a shop check it out for a half hours labor.

The reason the shaft needs to be checked is because damage to the transmission/driveline is expensive. Even if the boat feels smoother after the prop fix, the shaft could be bent and do damage.

Andy Z is dead on about checking the strut too. Remember on some boats the rudder can be offset.

With all that said, it is most likely the prop. Would your boats performance improve with a prop upgrade? Having a spare is never a bad thing and will get you back on the water this weekend.

(nbeihl) · (nbeihl) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 05-22-2007, 5:56 AM

The prop is brass for a reason, it should bend before the shaft does! That is by design. That is not to say that you did not bend your shaft, but brass is much softer than steel. I would drop the prop off and get it fixed or at least looked at before you dig into the shaft.

(dkjbama92mariah)

All correct assertions. However, the prop is nibral, not brass, NIckel-BRonze ALloy

(99_slaunch) · (99_slaunch) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 05-22-2007, 3:35 PM

What's up Dirty D? I'm always impressed by you're wealth of knowledge.