Eric one more time part 3 alignment

Funny how "simple" routine turns into more.I've decided to replace the strut and shaft.Upon pulling the shaft found that the strut didn't line up with the shaft log at all.... not even close.I have aligned the strut(bent it ) side to side ,but up and down still is not close.I realize the weight of the shaft will make it sag ,but when I push up taking the weight of the shaft in what would be a neutral position it is still out about 1/8 or more . If I force it in the shaft log the shaft drags on the bottom of the shaft log.It has to be the strut.well I'm replacing it all.I talked to Vence today and he said in 1994 they did not use a laser to align the strut bore to the shaft log.He indicated that there was a little Kentucky windage used and it may not be perfect and that I'd have to find the happy medium. Well whatever I'll cross that road later.My hope is that a new strut will take care of it.


Anyone use the A.R.E shaft system

If not then what is THE BEST . I Realize ski dim is not always the cheapest ,but they have earned my bussness great folks.

You may need to shim the strut to the hull. A couple of stainless flat washers work great. Make sure the strut base is fully bedded in what ever sealant you are using. It can be frustrating at times!

I bought the ARE shaft system this year for my 62 Classic. I went with the system because I like the idea that with a dual taper shaft where the coupler and shaft remains perfectly true. I was impressed with the quality of the shaft and coupler. I also like that the lock nut is at the end of the shaft and seats the coupler onto the taper. It is much more secure than the set screws that was in the original coupler.

I didn't order socket for the kit when I placed the order ($19 is insane). I thought I'd have enough room for a shallow socket I already had. I didn't. So, I ended up overnighting the damn specialized socket with Saturday delivery. It ended up costing me $30 with shipping, but it got me on the water later that day. Penny wise, dollar foolish.

Vence told me I didn't need the socket. I think I'll have room. It's a 94 sport.I was thinking for making a bore alignment tool.If I take bar stock the same dia as the shaft, drill the center to the size of a laser pointer and insert the pointer inside the shaft and put that in the strut it should show me the exact alignment.Also mic the shaft log place a some bar stock with the center counter sunk.You could then align your strut to the shaft log more precisely.I have friends in the machine shop business it would take less than an hour to make it if they have the stock.I'll post some pics if I decide to do it.Is that crazy am I to up tight about precission.

No doubt, Tim.

However, for those without access to a lathe or limited abilities, the ARE system is nice. The price penality was not too bad for me as my coupler was looking pretty spent. The outside was pretty banged up and the inner bore to shaft clearance seemed loose.

Just make sure to use one of the 3 SKIDIM discounts per year on the larger ticket items.

3 per year? I thought it was any time we shopped through CCF..

Damn, I need to be more careful, only 1 left.

When I placed my orders, they told me I could use 1 discount from each of their partner sites. I just checked the site. They now have 4 partner sites. This is from their web page

"The promotional code discounts are valid only once per year and one per order.
However, each one of the discount codes may be used during the year."



Skidim partners info