V-Drive? Shaft?

[shaneorando]

HELP! V-Drive? Shaft?
Ok a few months ago I hit a log and ended up having to have the entire bottom replaced on my 2002 20V (shaft,shaft support,rudder,stabilizer fins,prop, ect.). Got the boat back and ran fine the first two trips out. Went to back it off the trailer the next time and when I put it in reverse it started making a clanking noise which u could feel in the throttle also. Put it back in drive and did the same thing. It acts that if something isn't greased, maybe a bearing, or the inside shaft is out of line!? I'm lost!

[SBM1234]

Start by checking everything by hand. Wiggle the prop and the shaft and see if anything is moving up and down or side to side. If the shaft is out of alignment, chances are that the shaft support is now worn and causing the problem. There is a plastic insert inside the shaft support that should be in tight tolerance with the shaft itself. If the shaft moves up and down or side to side inside this plastic piece, then suspect the shaft is not straight.

You may also check the rudder to see how much it moves prior to the steering wheel beginning to turn. If the steering is out of adjustment, the rudder will move back and forth a ways before the steering wheel turns. When the prop wash hits the rudder, it would case it to vibrate if the steering is out of whack. This is unlikley, but worth a shot.

Good luck and watch out for those floaters!