Worn Shaft Splines?

[jqs]

So, I'm selling my '99 Pro Air, and someone that looked at it today says that the shaft splines are worn. Is this something to be concerned about? I wasn't with him when he looked at it as I have it on consignment, and I don't think he even took it out on the water. How does one notice worn splines? I assume it would result in the shaft slipping when engaging the transmission, but I've never had a problem with this. What sort of costs would I be looking at to repair if this is indeed an issue?

[AuMDLST]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

How many hours on boat? I would be surprised if the shaft had issues unless we are talking about thousands of hours of a boat with some known issue when engaging out of neutral.

[jqs]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

The engine has 750hrs. I've never had any issues when engaging. I have a feeling this is just an amateur mechanic trying to find faults where they don't exist. What would I have to do if this is an issue, though?

[AuMDLST]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

Nautiques have run for many more hours ( 1400 +++) with no shaft issues. It is stainless and typically without any notice will not be worn with so few hours. I would ask to see a new versus your worn shaft for comparison. I would assume a worn shaft would have some sort of "play" when tuning the prop by hand.

[DanielC]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

I believe the prop shaft is keyed on both ends. No splines.

[Andrew]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

all of the ones i've seen (which is only a select few) have been keyed at both ends.....

[SquamInboards]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

I think he's trying to talk you down by making up problems. Even if the shaft IS splined (which I dont' think it would be) how would you notice that? Your henway is probably out of alignment too...

[darrel409]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

maybe he was talking about the splines in the strut bushing for the shaft

[jqs]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

Okay, I got more info from him. He says there was 1/4" to 1/2" of play where the prop connects to the shaft and that it would cost about $1000 to fix. Of course, how does one define the amount of play - it should have been in degrees or radians, right?

What material is used for the flooring on these boats? I assumed there was no wood to worry about, but he's saying that the floor feels weak and spongy in places. I know that the piece behind the motor box is somewhat flemsy, but I always attributed that to it being a thin, removable piece. Is there a wood core in the flooring that could be rotting?

[Andrew]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

the guy is full of it.... just disregard his existence...

[DanielC]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

The floor is just fiberglass on top of the foam used for flotation. Dropping something heavy on the floor will weaken the fiberglass, and make it feel spongy. The cure, pull up the carpet, and refiberglass the floor.

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

jqs, The only splines in the driveline is the trans input shaft to dampener plate of the flywheel. Since this guy simply looked at the boat, the only thing he may think are splines is the cutlass bearing in the strut. (it sort of looks like it's a spline because it's grooved) If he is in fact calling this bearing a spline, he doesn't know what he's talking about or must be smoking something. Don't worry about him!
BTW, I've seen cutlass bearings last thousands of hours and some last less than 5 after a boat hit something bending the shaft and or strut throwing the alignment out.

[AuMDLST]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

SOmeone is full of it - no wood in Nautiques since 93 (I believe 94 was first year of no wood) -- grab the prop yourself and turn it, you'll know if there is "play".

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

jqs, Get this guy to register on PN and post his questions. We will then explain some facts of life (or boats) to him. I'm sure we can educate him. We'll be nice!!!

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Worn Shaft Splines?

dude sounds like a clown, NEXT !