drivetrain impact on 92 Nautique wake

[92Knocker]

A submerged log damaged the prop shaft, prop and rudder. Strut appeared ok. The prop shaft, prop and rudder were replaced. Unless it is my imagination, the wake is now worse. Two questions;
1.How can I confirm everything is properly aligned?
2.What are the specs for the subject equipment including the propeller shaft diameter and angle?
It's getting cold, so I am going to pull the boat and would like to satisfy myself that the correct equipment is installed and aligned.

[go46]

I would expect vibration problems in the boat if there was an aligment problem.

[SGY]

Not to worry my man. 99% of the wake is controlled by the dynamics of water flow across the hull. I've heard that different props make somehwat of a difference on the wake--i.e. the Acme 3 blade is supposed to help soften the wake as opposed to the 4 blade. I have skied both props behind the same boat and can't say I notice a difference. I suspect that underwater gear alignment has much more to do with noise and vibration and much less to do with wake size and shape.

A buddy of mine had his whole underwater gear ripped off the bottom of his 01 Nautigue this last March. The strut was shoved up into the bottom of the boat requiring the repair shop to cut 1/3rd of the bottom away and start over. In doing so, they had to manufacture a template of the bottom to get it right. Scary stuff. His boat now skis and runs as well as it did before the accident. It doesn't sound like you had any structural damage to the hull. I wouldn't worry.

I would suspect your belief or fear that the wake is now worse is really your imagination. Don't discount the emotional factor here. If you are at all like me, after the accident you are now more sensitive to everything about the boat. Lots of things affect how you ski and your reactions behind the boat--especially your attitude. If you are worried about things this translates in to how you ski. At a minimum you are noticing things behind the boat that were there before but you just were having too much fun to notice. Ask one of your buddies you ski with to ski behind the boat and give his opinion. He's not invested in the boat like you and probably will tell you its fine.

You may also now be more tenative when skiing which causes you to flatten out your ski. A flat ski will not cut through the wake as well and you will notice more of a bump. Of course, if you are an accomplshed skier this probably is not happening. But, I know that if I was in your shoes I would be subject to such a reaction.

Good luck.

[SGY]

Sorry, I didn't answer your question in my rambing above. Turn the prop. If it turns freely without a hitch or noise the shaft is probably aligned. Otherwise you need to check the alignment at the shaft/transmission coupling. You need to take the bolts off and use a feeler gauge to ensure it is the same gap all the way around--I think the tolerance is three thousands of an inch. I've never done this so perhaps someone else on the board can give a better explanation.

You said in your post that the shaft was undamaged. If so, then these two methods should tell you whether you are aligned properly. And, the shop that installed the new shaft and prop should have aligned everything for you. If you are not feeling vibration, then its probably ok.

If you are still worried, call CC. Ask for Jeff Warner. He knows about everyting there is to know regarding these boats.

[NautiqueJeff]

Here's some further information:

[882001]

hey jeff where do you get those exploded views of everything. i need a manual or book like that

[NautiqueJeff]

hey jeff where do you get those exploded views of everything. i need a manual or book like that

That particular view came from a PCM Service Manual. What exactly are you looking for? I might be able to help.

[92Knocker]

for the good information. Much clearer than what is in my manual. I will disconnect the shaft and check the alignment tomorrow.