Alignment question

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   OK, I have read most of the alignment stuff on here but I have something I would like to confirm.  I have a 93 Ski that I suspect had a strut replaced since there is black magic marker 90-96 or something to that affect.  The fins in the front were bent a bit as well.  I bent them back (carefully and slowly) so that they are "inline" with the center of the hull.

Now, looking from the rudder forward, it appears that the centerline of the prop shaft is slightly(maybe 1/8"+) to the right of the rudder(with the rudder set as clost to straight with the 3 fins as possible.

the boat seems to track OK but I have always thought it tends to "slide" slightly and it also seems to turn easier one way over the other.  I have centered the steering wheel on the trailer but on the water it is off center

I suppose it is possible that the rudder is bent, but ignoring the prop shaft things look pretty in line.  The shaft as it comes through the hull looked pretty centered in the "log" but not perfect.

The dealer says the props are all just a bit off center on these.

Has anyone else here seen that?

Thanks for help.  I tried to make the GL meet this year to look at some others but maybe next year.

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BWBob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: June-15-2009 Location: Osceola, WI Status: Offline Points: 40	Post Options Post Reply Quote BWBob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Alignment question Posted: July-27-2010 at 11:18pm
	OK, I have read most of the alignment stuff on here but I have something I would like to confirm. I have a 93 Ski that I suspect had a strut replaced since there is black magic marker 90-96 or something to that affect. The fins in the front were bent a bit as well. I bent them back (carefully and slowly) so that they are "inline" with the center of the hull. Now, looking from the rudder forward, it appears that the centerline of the prop shaft is slightly(maybe 1/8"+) to the right of the rudder(with the rudder set as clost to straight with the 3 fins as possible. the boat seems to track OK but I have always thought it tends to "slide" slightly and it also seems to turn easier one way over the other. I have centered the steering wheel on the trailer but on the water it is off center I suppose it is possible that the rudder is bent, but ignoring the prop shaft things look pretty in line. The shaft as it comes through the hull looked pretty centered in the "log" but not perfect. The dealer says the props are all just a bit off center on these. Has anyone else here seen that? Thanks for help. I tried to make the GL meet this year to look at some others but maybe next year.
	93 SN

SNobsessed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102	Post Options Post Reply Quote SNobsessed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-28-2010 at 12:25am
	I think the prop shaft should be dead center. Mine is off center a little too, due to hitting a log. It steers easier one direction than the other. I'm just going to live with it until the next 'hit'. It's an eventuality in my neck of the woods!
	“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin

8122pbrainard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045	Post Options Post Reply Quote 8122pbrainard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-28-2010 at 12:38am
	Bob, I think for the most part you're ok. Yes, the shaft can be off slightly to the hull hole/log and the rubber hose between the log and the stuffing box will take up some. The key is does the shaft turn freely without any binding at the cutlass? This would indicate a problem with the strut alignment. With the coupling halves disconnected and you turning the prop shaft, if it turns any easier with the shaft through the hull up/down or port/starboard, then you'll need to address the strut alignment. If good where it is sitting centered with the trans output coupling then it's cool.
	54 Atom 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete <

BWBob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: June-15-2009 Location: Osceola, WI Status: Offline Points: 40	Post Options Post Reply Quote BWBob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-28-2010 at 1:43am
	I did check the alignment using the feeler gauge as in other posts. I did make a minor adjustment that I believe reduced a growling noise in hard corners. I noticed that i can move the shaft at the coupler end around some but not enough to make me think the cutlass is shot. It doesnt move at the strut without considerable effort.(with the coupler disconnected) My biggest concern would be that if the prop were off angle to the rudder and tracking fins, it could account for the steering to be off and possibly affect tracking overall. I just get a bit anal about this thing and am always looking for improvements.
	93 SN

akabulla Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Gold Member Joined: November-15-2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 649	Post Options Post Reply Quote akabulla Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-28-2010 at 7:56pm
	Mine turns better to the left than to the right. Doesn't it steer better one way or the other depending on the rotation of the prop? I thought all direct-drive boats steers better one direction than the other?

BWBob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: June-15-2009 Location: Osceola, WI Status: Offline Points: 40	Post Options Post Reply Quote BWBob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-29-2010 at 11:14am
	This is my first inboard so I dont really know. Learning is fun though.
	93 SN

kapla Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: March-27-2008 Location: BA, Argentina Status: Offline Points: 6148	Post Options Post Reply Quote kapla Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-29-2010 at 6:58pm
	mine also steers better to one side and yes is due to the prop rotation...
	<a href="">1992 ski nautique

Alignment question

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