prop shaft alignment???

[skip.metro]

I have read a number of threads here and seeing conflicting answers. So my direct question, on my 2001 2300V Limited, should my prop, prop shaft and rudder all be in line in the center of the boat. It was this way when I got it and it drove strait. I know I hit a stump under power recently, and now the boat pulls to the right. Closer inspection last night and the nut on the end of the prop shaft is about 1 inch to the left of center or rudder, driving the boat to the right. I have seen lots of posts that this is normal for prop shaft removal, but other posts boast that tige should be in the center to give a more balanced wake. My wake is much better on one side now where I believe it was more even when I got my boat April of this yr. My nearest dealer is a 3-4 hr pull, and I dont want to haul it in for them to tell me it is normal and designed to be there. No noise or vibrations, but if you look close the prop shaft hanger looks bent. The other question would be how bad would it be to swap out the prop shaft hanger? I am mechanical and think I could handle that.

Any comments greatly appreciated.
Skip

[skippabcool]

Welcome to the site. Do you have any pictures that you could share? They might help.

[talltigeguy]

I think that a change in performance answers your own question.

When it hit the stump, did it damage the propeller? Is your prop a stainless prop? Stainless props are difficult to damage, and they just transmit the energy higher up the line, and you are more likely to have a bent shaft or strut.

[skip.metro]

propeller is fine, brass or bronze prop. It looks to me like the prop shaft bracket is bent. I think its headed to the shop this week. Making some funny drive line noises. I will call and see if insurance will cover repairs Monday. I think it could use a good once over from an authorized dealer. I had it inspected here in town before I bought it, but I am not sure they knew what they were looking for.

Sorry, did not take any pics.

Thanks for the input.
there is lots of great info here.

[NICKYPOO]

The "shaft hanger" you are referring to is called the shaft strut. It's best to have it inspected if you did hit a stump and now it seems a little different. I'm asuming it was a minor touch if it didn't damage the prop?

[boatwakes]

The shaft will ALWAYS be offset from the rudder for removal purposes. If your strut looks bent and now the boat pulls, your alignment is off which means your coupler alignment is now off and the torsional force being applied to the v-drive internals has/is causing internal bearing failure. Don't run the boat again until you get the strut replaced and the alignment done. Insurance will cover it if you have more than liability as it was an unseen underwater obstruction.

[skip.metro]

Thanks guys, It is headed to dealer Wed and ins will cover it w/ a $500 deductible. I am looking forward to seeing a Tige dealer, so far everyone I have talked with here in town doesnt seem to know anything about these.