Prop Shaft - Pic attached

[ktige7]

I had a new prop shaft installed in August, used boat about a month.
Yesterday, I got under the boat to do some trailer work and found the shaft must be lightly grazing where it goes into the hull.

I know they aligned, ect. It maybe has a credit card clearance now, guessing it could be flexing a smidge. Would this be common or is this a big issue? Please see pic.

Thanks!

[chpthril]

Just a new shaft, or it, along with other components? What was the reason for the work?

[ktige7]

Just a new shaft, or it, along with other components? What was the reason for the work?

Strut was bent and I told them not to mess around and had them replace: strut/prop shaft/coupler/prop.

[talltigeguy]

I am eager to hear what the gurus have to say. I will chime in that it is pretty common for the shaft to exit the hull off center. I think most boats I have crept under do not have the prop shaft exiting right in the middle. Having said that, yours looks like it has been so far off center that it rubs.

[gumby]

It looks to me the motor needs to be lowered then the v drive then realigned. Like taltige said it doesn't have to be in the center. You don't want it to be touching and you can clearly see it has been touching. I would take it back to who did the work. I am sure they will fix it. It is 100% obvious it wrong. The bushing in the hull will give up (brass) before the stainless shaft. Just my option.

[freeheel4life]

Gumby is correct. The stainless shaft wins. The shaft log that is eccentric and has a hole worn thru it was in an old Century that had been running way out of alignment for a long time(motor mount bushing failed and the whole show would twist). Owner claimed there was zero vibration. Guessing he just didnt notice with the carbed 454 big block rumbling behind him .

Other pic is out of a newer Moomba that had about the same amount of alignment issue that yours does. Whoever did the work should be able to rectify the situation(one would hope).

[UNSTUCK]

...motor mount bushing failed and the whole show would twist..

This was my first thought. Check your mounts to make sure the engine isn't bouncing around.

[dmaxx04]

Interesting that you ask about this subject. I noticed the same mark and the shaft is off center on my 24V and was asking the mechanic about it a little while ago. I was told something similar to what Tall said and left it alone. I haven’t noticed any water leaking or vibrations so I haven’t worried about it. I did check the motor mounts and they seem like fine. Now, seeing free’s pictures, I might want to look into it more. I’m going to try to upload a couple pictures of what mine looks like. IMG_2211.jpg

[ktige7]

That's some good info from all - I really appreciate the responses and knowledge! I was pretty much under the impression as the same, it technically isn't right with it rubbing, ect. Now will it run forever, I guess that's something to figure out or worry and just fix.

DMAXX - how long have you been rocking it like this?

[dmaxx04]

I found it at the end of the season 2016 when I was winterizing. Went out of town for work in 17 so my wife took it to the mechanic for servicing and a couple other things. I picked it up from him when I got back and asked then. So long story short, a year since mechanic told me it was fine.

[dmaxx04]

Tall or free: what do you guys recommend for us with our shafts being off? Any inputs help.

[freeheel4life]

Just need re-align engine to the shaft. Uncouple shaft from vdrive and align everything. There are some vids out there on YouTube on how to do engine alignments. Theres a great one that is done on a direct drive so you can see what is going on. Its all the same principles on a V drive.

https://youtu.be/5UqniaiggKA

^^watch parts one and two and you ought to be able to decide if you are able to DIY it

[dmaxx04]

Thanks free. Appreciate the YouTube link and direction.