Major vibration

[baroda5]

Help!!! I just put my boat in for the first time this year, and at 1/2 -3/4 throttle, I get a major vibration. I believe it's not in the engine. When I put it in neutral and rev the motor, it runs smooth and sounds good. But when I engage the drive, I can drive slowly and not notice anything. But as soon as I give it throttle, the boat starts vibrating bad! I didn't take it past 3/4 throttle. We drove it for 10 or so minutes at low speeds to see if maybe it was something that would pass through the system and self-cleanse itself, but to no avail!!! It's a 1997 pre2150wt, I've never had any problems with it, until now.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?? I'm not sure if my marina is open tomorrow, it's supposed to be 100 degrees and clear skies tomorrow!!!!

[wrangler]

It sure sounds like you put a minor tweak on your prop that you haven't noticed yet. Take a look or try swapping your spare prop on and see how it runs... Just a thought...

[baroda5]

I sure hope that is it, I'll throw one on tomorrow. I've been looking on-line, and all I'm seeing are big dollar possible problems.

Thanks.

[baroda5]

ignorance

Of course I didn't realize there was a simple "Search" button at the top of the screen. Searching for "vibration" weilded several discussions of my problems nature, all pointing towards the prop. Let's hope that's it.

[raythompson]

Unless your shaft is bent which is highly unlikely. That shaft is tough and it takes a real wallop to bend it and in the process causes other damage.

I have also hit debris in the water and have suffered vibration. In two cases the solution was simple, I engaged reverse and applied significant throttle. Apparently the debris lodged on the prop edge and using reverse disengaged the debris.

Of course in another case the prop did get bent. And another case the bending involved the trailer bunk.

I generally have the prop reworked at the beginning of each summer season as the cost is not that great relative to the other costs (a tank of fuel for instance).

[dogbert]

Originally posted by raythompson
Unless your shaft is bent which is highly unlikely. That shaft is tough and it takes a real wallop to bend it and in the process causes other damage.

Actually, it doesn't take much. Got a submerged log get caught in between my rudder and prop. Bent the shaft, strut, prop and rudder all at the same time. Major vibration just as described. Good thing my insurance agent was on the boat

[raythompson]

Like I said, in the process causes other damage.

[baroda5]

Unfortunately, I wasn't in the boat when whatever damaged it happened. I had it at a Tige dealer on consignment to sell. It went in fine, but came out tarnished. I haven't spoke with them yet, knowing the eminent answer that they will claim innocence. Looks like they bent the prop (hopefully), broke the speedometer take-up off the right side, and one of the bow window latches is missing, screw and all!! No hard proof, except my word. I'm not too happy. But I sold it on my own and I need to get it back to perfect before I'll sell it and be able to sleep at night.

I didn't have an extra prop, and no one was open today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. 9+ years on the same prop in the same lake. One test drive on a different lake, and look what happens!!!

Thanks for all the help, I'll let you know what comes of it.

[TeamAllen]

I have the same boat as you. Bought it new. I'm sorry to hear about your problems. I too have never had any prop damage. I did find my original prop was not hitting the proper RPM range. The good and helpful guys @ ACME Propellers set me up with a 653. The RPM range is right on and was the greatest upgrade I have ever made to the boat. That CNC prop is the best! I now use the original as a spare.

Let us know the outcome. I have particular interest if it is something other than the prop.

[TeamAllen]

Oh yeah, I don't use any ballast. We primarily ski. The wake from TAPS and human ballast and cooler ids good enough for us. It will need it for surfing behind the boat. We just surf in the ocean.

Check out Rival Industries for the ballast system. Tall did a good play by play on his DIY install.

Rival Install

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by dogbert
Actually, it doesn't take much. Got a submerged log get caught in between my rudder and prop. Bent the shaft, strut, prop and rudder all at the same time. Major vibration just as described. Good thing my insurance agent was on the boat

Got that right dogbert !

Hit a large fish and ruin a prop and get vibrations.

I have gone through three props since Oct.

I get invites to the Acme Christmas parties!

[baroda5]

How difficult is it to remove that Prop? Does anyone know what size that nut is? Will a large Crescent wrench be sufficient, or should I use a 1/2" breaker bar with the correct socket? Will a generic gear puller work, or do I need something special? Any tricks to re-installing it once I have it remachined?

[dogbert]

Originally posted by baroda5
How difficult is it to remove that Prop? Does anyone know what size that nut is? Will a large Crescent wrench be sufficient, or should I use a 1/2" breaker bar with the correct socket? Will a generic gear puller work, or do I need something special? Any tricks to re-installing it once I have it remachined?

I'd pick up a prop puller...it makes getting the prop off much easier. I use an adjustable wrench for the nut. Don't forget the pin at the end

[TeamAllen]

Here is a link to a prior link for prop pullers.

Prop Puller

[dogbert]

BTW, for anyone in Austin, TX, Propellers by Nettle is the place to get your prop repairs done. I stopped by there and they fixed my (admittedly minor ding) while I waited at no charge. It probably helped that I brought it in the bag I got back with my 4-blade that I got fixed a couple of months ago.

I talked to the guy for a while and he told me that 4-blade props are a lot harder to fix than 3-blades because the cups overlap. I'd never really thought about it, but that's probably why they are more expensive to fix. He also told me that OJ was coming out with a new 3-blade that supposedly outperforms their 4-blades.