Alignment question
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=18759
Printed Date: November-18-2024 at 7:44pm
Topic: Alignment question
Posted By: BWBob
Subject: Alignment question
Date 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.
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93 SN
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Replies:
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date 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!
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“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date 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.
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54 Atom
/diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique
64 X55 Dunphy
Keep it original, Pete
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Posted By: BWBob
Date 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.
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93 SN
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Posted By: akabulla
Date Posted: July-28-2010 at 7:56pm
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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?
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Posted By: BWBob
Date Posted: July-29-2010 at 11:14am
This is my first inboard so I dont really know. Learning is fun though.
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93 SN
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Posted By: kapla
Date Posted: July-29-2010 at 6:58pm
mine also steers better to one side and yes is due to the prop rotation...
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<a href="">1992 ski nautique
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