I Damaged My Boat - Need Advice/Help
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17093
Printed Date: November-18-2024 at 9:59am
Topic: I Damaged My Boat - Need Advice/Help
Posted By: Buck4U
Subject: I Damaged My Boat - Need Advice/Help
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 2:58pm
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Hey fellas,
Let me first say that I have been quietly watching these forums for a few months now. The information I have come across on this forum alone is goingn to be extremely useful as my ownership of my '78 Martinique goes on. I have been closely following the stringer replacement threads posted by Keeganino, Okie, and Srbarnum. They have been extremely insightful Anyway, enough with that. Today was probably one of the most unpleasant days in a long while. After a long battle of bad batteries, starters, solenoids, ignition coils, and a leaky carb, I finally got my boat running really good. We had already planned to go the lake today and burn some burgers and brats, so I figured I'd bring the boat as well and see how it ran up on the water. After several hours of awesome cruising and trouble free performance, we headed back to the dock. I dropped my passengers off, and my father-in-law went and got the trailer. I decided to remanuever the boat to get lined up better for the loading process, and hit an underwater log that had just moved in. Long story short: Driver Shaft...Gone Prop...Gone Rudder....Gone Mind you, this happened while I was about 1/8 from the dock. Luckily, I had purchased a paddle that very day because last time I had the boat on the water, the leaky carb left me stranded. When I first hit the log, I figured since the boat wasn't responding to throttle, I must've just lost the prop, so I began calmly paddling back to the dock. After several minutes of casual paddling, I noticed a little water on the floor. Upon opening the engine cover, I discovered, to my delight, that I was sinking. I barely managed to get my new 2,000 lb canoe to the ramp in time to load it before it totally sank. The log tore the driveshaft completely out, with the prop still attached. The rudder was broken where its shaft enters the boat. There is no actuall hull damage, and my stabilizing fins are intact. Basically guys, I need to know what the hell to do. I live in central Arkansas. There are no boat junkyards around here, and I totally doubt that Master Craft in Little Rock is going to be able to get me the stuff I need. I WAS planning on replacing my stringers after this summer season, but if I can't get the parts soon, I'm going to do it now. I am going to go back to the lake with some diving equipment and find the other part of my boat. The water is only about 6 feet deep where this occured, and I figure they'll still be there. I doubt they are useable, but I know a guy around here that buys brass. I may be able to get something out of them. Do any of you have parts boats? Know of any? Is there any reason I couldn't just fabricate a driveshaft, and use an aftermarket prop and rudder? I would rather stay original if possible. This is a damn mess. Any advice you guys can offer will be taken gratefully and humbly. I'm gonna go drink a beer or ten, Thanks, Demoralized Jeff P.S. What is the piece called that mates to the exterior of the bottom of the hull, and which the driveshaft runs through? ...That's gone, too. |
Replies:
Posted By: Fl Inboards
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 3:14pm
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Hi Jeff,
Where are you located. Oh Crap! Sorry aboutyour misadventure. I thik you are reffering to the strut! ------------- Hobby Boats can be expensive when the hobbyist is limited on their own skill and expertise. 1993 Shamrock "fat" 20. 2008 Nautique 196 5.0 |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 3:23pm
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The propshaft runs through the strut.
There are some boats being parted out here. You might find parts there. Would be interesting to know where the propshaft snapped. Also, you said no hull damage. Are you sure? The stut was probably screwed into the bottom of the hull. You are not the first to whom this has happened. It sucks, but you'll get it fixed. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:15pm
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Thanks for the replies, guys.
I'm glad to know it is called the strut. As far as hull damage, the strut was ripped off very cleanly. I'm not sure how it attached, but I didn't see any destroyed wood or anything. How does it attach? |
Posted By: Okie Boarder
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:18pm
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Jeff,
Sorry to hear it, but you should be able to get her all fixed up. Some pictures would help. You should be able to get all those parts, no problem. New will be expensive, but is an option. Used, check the boats on here being parted out. I'm sure you will get plenty of help here on what to do and how to get everything put back together. I'm sure some assessment needs to be done to determine the next step. Pictures will definitely help a lot with that process. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:24pm
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I can't say on your boat. I am not familiar with that model. Usually the strut is held in place with 3M5200 or some other type of adhesive, and either screws or bolts into the hull. If it looks clean now, I would guess yours are screws, and if you look carefully, they were probably ripped out. Assuming they were ripped out and damaged the threads, you are going to need to fill the holes with resin (probably epoxy to reattach. I'm just guessing here. Take a careful look and take some photos. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Okie Boarder
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:25pm
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Jeff,
It should bolt through the hull. If it ripped off it probably damaged the glassed in support and bolt holes. That will probably require some glassing work to fix and maybe some gelcoat work to finish it off. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:53pm
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Jeff,
Welcome to the world of boat ownership! I'm sorry to hear about the problem but it's all repairable. As far as the strut being "ripped off cleanly", there are a couple posibilities. Ether the 4 bolts that hold it in place sheared off or you have some rotten wood that's used to reinforce the hull at the strut. Without this wood, I could see where the bolts would be ripped out/through the hull. Since you plan on doing stringers anyway, this is one of the wood areas that is usually addressed. Pictures!!!??? With them we can give you better advice. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Bremsen
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 4:54pm
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Might be time to contact the insurance company. You're looking at a few thousand in repairs would be my guess (rudder, driveshaft, prop, strut, structural repairs). It may even total the boat to be honest so it would also depend on your attachment/investment to/in it.
http://nautiqueparts.com/runninggear.aspx - Nautique Parts would be a good place to start for new running gear. They're the oldest dealer in the US, so they may even have your stuff in stock. Be sure to use the CCfan discount, 'cause they aren't cheap. Good thing is pretty much anything is repairable. Good luck! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=923&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990 - Our 88 SN2001 |
Posted By: Okie Boarder
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 6:20pm
^This! Man, why didn't that dawn on me. You may be able to get a fair chunk of change from the insurance and if you do the repairs yourself, you'll probably come out of it pretty good. |
Bremsen wrote:Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 6:21pm
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Thanks for the optimistinc advice, guys. I will try to find the SD card for my camera so I can take more than one picture at a time. I'll have them posted tonight hopefully. Please check back!!!
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Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 7:50pm
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I think I may have done a poor job of communitcating which piece underneath the boat I was talking about.
I do not require this piece: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Strut-Nautique-Mastercraft-Correct-Craft-Prop-Shaft_W0QQitemZ130372809375QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBoat_Parts_Accessories_Gear?hash=item1e5ad3329f That piece is still firmly attached to the bottom of my boat. Right where the driveshaft comes through the bottom of the hull, there isn't any fitting, or any sort of seal. I don't know if thats how it was before my accident since I never really looked at it. Is there supposed to be something there? Pictures coming soon! Thanks Jeff Edit: I just discovered that Shafts are about $350, and Rudders are about $500 from Nautiqueparts.com |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 7:53pm
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You are talking about the shaft log. The important part there is inside the boat. There is just a hole in the fiberglass. Somewhat of an oblong hole. The metal part is inside the boat, fiberglasses to the hull. The packing gland wraps around the log and prop shaft and prevent all except a drip or two per minute from getting into the boat.
BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 7:59pm
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Thats the one!
Thank you for that information. I found the packing on Nautiqueparts.com, but the Shaft will be $350 new, and the rudder will be $500 new. Haven't even priced the prop yet. I am going to have to find these on the Used market somewhere. I am searching the parts forums on here. Planning on pulling the inspection board, engine cover, and both seats to get a better look and make sure nothing else is damaged. How do I get a rudder out? All thats left is the shaft, which is broken flush with the bottom of the hull. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-12-2010 at 8:11pm
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Jeff,
Pull the gas tank and you'll see the rudder port with the packing gland on top of it. It looks just like the prop shaft packing gland. We'll be waiting for the pictures. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 1:37am
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I swear I will stop with the multiple posts.
Is there a place where I can find information for my boat? I have no idea about the following: Driveshaft length Propeller type, size, etc Rudder type, size, etc I'm also interested in learning about the type of transmission my boat has. I have searched the forums, but am having trouble finding exact information for my '78 Martinique, w/ the 255hp 351W I understand the benefit of maintaining originality, but in this case, I don't think a non-original driveshaft, propeller, or rudder will detract too much from the boats heritage. And to boot, I don't have the $$$ to fork out for a new brass rudder, prop, or driveshaft. If I can find used original parts for a good price, I will go that route. I have a diver going to the lake to retrieve my prop, broken rudder, and driveshaft. It would be nice if some of it were salvageable, but I'm not keeping my hopes up. Pictures are going to have to wait until tomorrow. I spoke with Boat Dr (Billy) today, and they feel confident that they will be able to find me a rudder. Guys, I want to submit a sincere, heartfelt thank you for your encouragement and advice. I have spent a good portion of this last week submersing myself in this forum, picking my way through months of threads, and have come to the realization that I think I have discovered a new passion. There is something about Correct Crafts that I can't put into words. Much like old motorcycles and putting Chevy V8's into things they don't belong, I find myself naturally drawn to this boat. After long thought, I have decided that I am going to put forth however much time and money it takes to restore this boat to like-new condition. It will most likely have to wait until after this next season, but come first sign of rain post-summer, I'm gonna tear this thing up and give it the attention it deserves. I'm not even going to ask it you guys will be there to offer encouragement and advice, because I can already tell you will, judging by what I've read. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 8:55am
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Jeff,
Once you get the parts out of the lake, you'll have a better idea of what was on the boat. If the shaft is beyond measuring, you can measure the needed length off the boat. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 9:45am
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so i guess the trans is OK, you ripped its tail off, it was a little more than a speed bump ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 11:00am
Keep reading! This forum is your best resource for all of the above. Your Martinique used the same hull as the 2nd gen Ski Nautique (70-81) so all of the running gear is interchangeable. Your boat used a 50" long, 1" diameter shaft. The prop would have originally been a 13x13 Federal, but a 13x13 OJ or 13x12 Acme would really wake the boat up. The rudder is an "11A", which was used on all Ski Nautiques from 1970 forward, as well as most of the older v-hull boats (BFN, Southwind, Freeport). The fins should have been the same on any pre-1991 Correct Craft. Your tranny is a Borg Warner Velvet Drive, 1:1 ratio. I would guess a 71c based on the vintage. Personally, I would try to find use fins, strut and rudder. If you can find your old ones and theyre not too mangled, its possible they can be straightened. I would invest in a new prop shaft (A.R.E double taper) as it will aide in installation and a new prop (Acme 540, 13x12) as it will greatly improve your performance. I have never had to do so, but I would consider taking Eric's suggestion and following up with your insurance- if you cant find used parts easily, buying brand new will be very expensive. ------------- |
Posted By: kapla
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 12:00pm
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strange about the shaft going to the bottom, did it actually broke in half meaning theres still half of it attached to the trans coupler?
to this point I think pictures will help a lot. ------------- <a href="">1992 ski nautique |
Posted By: connorssons
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 12:28pm
I have a complete set of running gear you need, mine is off a 77 martinique in good shape. shaft strut prop rudder, you name it i got it. call me 269 506 1249 jeff. i scrapped the boat do to condition of hull. call me before friday, or ill be in florida picking up new boat  good luck!
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Posted By: skicat2001
Date Posted: April-13-2010 at 11:49pm
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Jeff,
These guys on here are real good. I just wanted to make a comment, I feel your pain.. That damb log messed your *************** all up... I hope you get her fixed..  ------------- 1985 CC 2001-SOLD Lee Michael Johnson |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 2:02am
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Talked to Connors on the phone today; he can sell me replacements for whatever parts aren't salvageable
Pictures in the morning! I took them today, going to photobucket them tomorrow. |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 3:49pm
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http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w42/Bang4URBuck/SANY0327.jpg
Here's the main picture. The rest are still uploading. As you can see, the rudder shaft broke off almost flush with the bottom of the hull. The strut is still very securely attached. I am going to try to pull the rear seat, tank, inspection board, etc this evening to make sure the shaft log and rudder port are alright. |
Posted By: Okie Boarder
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 4:15pm
Make sure you put the image tags around them for it to show up. You type in [ img]the url[ /img], minus the spaces. You can also select the photo on photo bucket and go to the bottom and select to "generate html and img tags". Then just copy and paste that in your thread. Then you picture shows up in the thread like this... 
|
Posted By: Okie Boarder
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 4:16pm
| Looking at the picture I'm amazed. Maybe some of the other guys can chime in. How is it he broke the rudder without any apparent damage to the base? |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 4:26pm
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it could have been crakced prior to being hit. But at least the strut is still there, wonder if the coupleing is still attached to the tranny bet it is.
well I would say the odds of salvaging the prop or shaft is not going to be likely. Also looks like a fin is a little shorter than it should be or maybe it's a speedo pick-up in the shot. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 4:52pm
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I'm guessing the propshaft was already weak. Hitting the log was just enough umph to snap it off, and then the prop and shaft took out the rudder.
Looks like an old school speedo pickup to me as well. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 5:09pm
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Are you sure that boat is a '78? The colored hull, speedo pickup and trailer fenders make it look more like an early 70's vintage. ------------- |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 5:16pm
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whats with the spacer block under the strut? did they actually do that some years? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 8:33pm
The coupler is still attached; looks intact
It may be. I have two speedo pickups on the back of the boat, one on either side.
It might be. I really have no idea. The previous owner thought it was a '73 at first, but the last two digits of the serial number is "78" so he said it was probably a '78. Is there a way I can run the VIN? Here's some more pics: Shaft Log 
Strut - Thats just dirt on the leading edge of the strut 
Rudder Port 
Side View 
Rear View - Speedos on left and right 
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Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 8:40pm
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It sure looks like it could be a '73- its definitely not a '78. Post a picture of the HIN.
I cant see any damage to the shaft log from that picture... thats how the bottom of the boat is supposed to look. What does it look like on the bilge side? ------------- |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 8:47pm
Haven't had the chance to remove the inspection boar, rear seat, and tank just yet, but I will post more pics as soon as I do. Thats very interesting. I'm glad I haven't registered it yet. I will have to ask the dealer I purchased it from to make me a new Bill of Sale. Any idea on how to get the exact year model? I really appreciate the replies, guys. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 8:58pm
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Chris,
I've never seen a spacer under the strut before. Makes you wonder if it came from the factory that way due to a drilling/position error?? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-14-2010 at 11:27pm
Here is a closer picture of the strut with the suspect spacer:
Here is the "shaft log" I believe. Doesn't seem disturbed at all 
Here is the rudder port. 
Here is the strut "plate"(?) The cracks in the wood were there before my accident. The white stuff around the plate was peeling away. 
There is one large fin under my boat. 
Then there is this: 
Possibly the original speedo? I have a total of three speedometer gauges. One is mounted in the dash, and the other two have been attached to the dash with plexiglass bracket. Anyway, do you guys see any reason that I cannot just bolt the replacements in? Everything looks solid enough. Also, I noticed TRBenj asked to post a pick on the boats HIN. Where would I find that? |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 12:40am
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My guess is that the rudder had been straightened once before & was work hardened right at the break point. Just took 1 more hit for it to let go. It looks like the shaft came out of the coupler- shouldn't do that but it probably saved your tranny. Possible the shaft came loose, had no safety collar, then took the rudder with it when it went out the stern.
PS, stick with the log hit when talking to the insurance adjuster! ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 12:41am
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Lotta weird situations there......
Did you loosen that rudder jam nut? Seems odd to look that way.... The force to shear off that rudder would HAVE to have damaged the fiberglass if it wasn't already weakened/repaired/partially fractured. Looks like the rest just fell out when it separated from the coupling. The fins, shims, strut "backing plate" and loose "chaulk" sure are VERY interesting............... I'm sure you can get that back together.. (but you know the guys are gonna see that wood support and tell you to check your stringers...... you'll then wanna strip out everything, re-string, re-floor, align new drive parts and engine........ your early 70's CC will be good as new......that is just what this site and these folks are GREAT to help with......... ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 1:58am
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Alright. I'll save up the money for the replacements and see how they do. Thanks for the help, guys.
Air206 - I haven't loosened the nut, just removed the seat and took pictures. SNobsessed - Sorry I didn't mention this earlier, but the boat isn't insured. I had it listed at non-operable since I was chasing electrical issues and dealing with a leaky car, so sadly I can't claim my insurance on this one. |
Posted By: kapla
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 2:04am
that´s the problem when showing pictures of your naked lady LOL!!  ------------- <a href="">1992 ski nautique |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 9:24am
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Jeff, I'm with Chris on this one. From the pictures I see it looks like you suffered no gel damage to the boat. The drive shaft and prop have departed the boat in tact only taking the rudder with it. Get your scuba gear and retrieve the missing parts and you'll have some more clues as to what happened.
Looks like the second tracking fin has been dressed up to next to the point of it isn't doing you any good if that is what it is. Is that factory or someone else's idea of a torque fix? Maybe someone who knows more about this particular year can chime in and tell you what it is. TRBenj? Guy's would the spacer under the strut be a previous owners attempt at getting the tranny couplers to align? Could that have caused a sress point in the driveshaft causing it to depart the boat? ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: lewy2001
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 9:44am
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My guess is that the boat has had a hit before and the rudder was straightened. Is the coupler showing signs of wear (fretting) where the prop shaft exited. Misalignment more than likely caused this wear if present. Then the prop shaft just worked it's way out taking the rudder on its way. ------------- If you're going through hell, keep going http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2999" rel="nofollow - 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta |
Posted By: hotboat
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 9:48am
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The small fin is the same speedo pickup on my 78. I would agree, earlier than 78 model. See if the hin # is on the upper rt hand corner of transom on the outside. ------------- Brian |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 10:18am
This certainly is a good theory and I feel quite possible. Have you got the prop and shaft out of the lake yet? A picture of it would be helpfull. Take a close up of the coupling end. Jeff, Did you ever do the alignment on the boat? Posted Feb. 22nd:
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 10:51am
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If Im not mistaken the early Martiniques only had a single tracking fin- the 2nd gen SN had 2. While everything is apart, I would check the remaining underwater gear (fin, strut) for straightness. If bent, get them fixed while everything is apart.
The theory that the shaft worked its way out and caused all this sure sounds plausable. I would pay very special attention to the alignment when you put it back together. If you can, eliminate that spacer under the strut. As I mentioned before, I would go with a used rudder (or even a prop) but a new shaft and coupler is a wise idea. Like has been mentioned, that small fin is the speedo pickup. Ive got the same one on my '71 Skier. If there is no HIN on the upper right side of the transom, then poke around the bilge- there may be a plate with a serial number affixed to a stringer. Either that, or there is a serial number on the capacity plate by the throttle. Thats the only thing I have on my Skier, and Correct Craft was able to pull the records and confirm the year. ------------- |
Posted By: Buck4U
Date Posted: April-15-2010 at 4:16pm
Yeah, the stringers definitely need replaced. I haven't found any rot on the primaries, although I'm sure there is. The engine mount bolts all hold torque, so I've decided that the stringer job will wait until after this season.
8122 - Never checked alignment with a feeler gauge, just spun the shaft and found it easy to spin (crappy test, I know). The boat hasn't been run for more than 20 minutes other than the day of the accident, but I've secured a set of feeler gauges, and printed Eric's Alignment thread for reference when I get the new gear in there. Haven't gotten the gear out of the lake yet. I've got drill this weekend, so it's going to be sometime early next week before I have gear in hand. I will post pictures when I get it. TRBenj - Thanks for the HIN location info. I will find the number and send it to Correct Craft for verification. Thanks again, guys! The wealth of knowledge here never ceases to amaze me. |