Hit something on the river today.

[jake's02-22i]

Well it really put a damper on the weekend. This morning I hit something with my dads boat, but it doesn't look or feel like the prop is bent at all But I'm getting a bad vibration and water is coming in from the packing seal. Is it my shaft? We didn't run that boat any more today but in two weeks a I have areally big weekend planed and I need to get this fixed as soon as possible. What do I need to do? I don't want to go to the dealership because I feel like I'm getting ripped off every time I go. I do have some friends that really good at installing anything, can I buy the parts that I need and just do it myself?

[chpthril]

Sounds like the rudder is bent and the shaft is now out of alignment. Shaft and prop could be bent, just not visible to the naked eye.

[jake's02-22i]

I didnt even think about the rudder. should i be able to move it with my hands?

[robert theisen]

is it hard to steer? where is water coming in? is it in very back near plug? or is it in front of transmission?

[chpthril]

Sounds like the rudder is bent and the shaft is now out of alignment. Shaft and prop could be bent, just not visible to the naked eye.

Rereading this and realized I meant to state "strut" and not rudder. Sorry if this created confusion.

[jake's02-22i]

It is hard to steer but I believe that is because it is do for a new steering cable. It has been like 6 years. So that is probably why the rudder can’t move.

It could be the strut too. Good idea. Is it as easy as just unbolting the strut and re-bolting?

[Moki]

The smallest ding your prop could be the cause of the vibration. Do you have a spare prop that you can change out and try? It is usually pretty hard to bend your shaft, your prop will take the damage before it will. I hit something and it was the prop, even after the prop was repaired, it still vibrated. New prop fixed my problem.

[dogbert]

The smallest ding your prop could be the cause of the vibration. Do you have a spare prop that you can change out and try? It is usually pretty hard to bend your shaft, your prop will take the damage before it will. I hit something and it was the prop, even after the prop was repaired, it still vibrated. New prop fixed my problem.

I'd start with the prop. If your shaft is bent, you can usually do a visual. A bent shaft will cause some vibration, but not as bad as a bent prop. Replacing a prop is easy with a prop puller (15 min job).

Somebody posted a video of installing a dripless packing system on one of the forums. It goes through most of what you'd need to do to install a new shaft.

[jake's02-22i]

How much is one of those drippless packings?

[TeamAllen]

$200

[txmxer]

I dont mean to hijack but is it possible to hit something but do no damage...I think we may have hit a random small sandbar going 3-5mph if not less but no vibration and the prop/fins look fine...

[jake's02-22i]

I think you are ok. I have done that before and nothing happened.

[txmxer]

Alright thanks...and thanks for letting me do a quick hijack.

[yllw20]

you are getting vibration from a prop bend or shaft bend, if is leaking at the packing I would say it is the shaft, but wouldnt hurt to have your prop tuned at a local prop shop.
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check out www.elberts.com they will have your parts and instructions on installation usually I would also give them a call

[jake's02-22i]

It is at the dealer right now. I don't think that they have a tank or anything to check it so I am going to have to pick up the boat tomorrow take it to the lake this weekend see if it works and hope it does. they are checking the packing and they said that they think the prop is bent because the shaft looks ok.