vibration after steering cable replacement

[74green]

Going to re-post my problem and try to get some feedback.

I replaced my steering cable back in November. Replacement was due to stiff steering like every else experiences. So the first day on the water after the cable replacement there was a noticeable vibration that seemed to be traveling up the steering cable to the steering wheel. Therefore causing the steering wheel to vibrate. This only happens just at first when accelerating…so less than 10 seconds…then I get on plane and its gone. So my initial thought is something with the rudder… which would require the removal of the gas tank and ballast tanks to access. Went down to my local Nautique dealer today and he wasn’t familiar with my problem. His thought was the strut or propeller. He did show me the rudder shaft assembly, but I haven’t noticed a grease fitting on mine like the one they showed me.

Any advise or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[jaybird]

vibration

The grease fitting was a recent addition to the rudder assembly.

I agree with the dealer, vibrations I have seen are from the shaft or prop and are most noticeable during hard acceleration. This can be caused by any of the following:
Slightly bent shaft
Slightly bent prop
Out of balance prop
Misaligned shaft
I say slightly bent because a minor or even severe vibration can be caused from any of the above without seeing any visible damage. I have seen rebuilt props out of balance and cause a vibration. The fact that it is in the steering wheel could simply be the close proximity of the shaft and propeller to the rudder.

[NautiqueJeff]

Whenever I have had the vibration like what you have, it is due to a slightly bent prop.

[74green]

Thanks for the feedback. It does just seem weird that it happened immediately after I replaced the steering cable. But I will take a look at the prop and see if I can notice anything.

[jaybird]

74green,

Looking at the prop may not tell you anything, as I mentioned before, a bent prop or shaft may not be visible but will still cause a vibration.

[bobchris]

when was the shaft alignment last checked?

[Rick]

I would think shaft alignment or slightly bent prop. You may not have felt it due to the binding or the old steering cable. The only way to test it is to mount a different prop. If that doesn't fix it check the alignmernt. I wouldn't align the shaft first as if it is a bent prop it might mis-align the shaft and you would have to repeat the alignment.

[74green]

when was the shaft alignment last checked?

I am not sure. I just bought it back in early November and fixed the steering cable.

I have a small "ding" or two on the outer fins of the prop. I guess i'll see if I can get my hands on a different prop like Rick mentioned and also look at the rudder assembly when I remove the ballast tanks. Not real familiar with checking the shaft alignment...guess i'll cross that bridge after ruling out a couple things first.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll post my results after i get to investigate more.

[NautiqueJeff]

I have a small "ding" or two on the outer fins of the prop.

That'll do it!

[74green]

Finally pulled the old prop and ordered a new one. Got an Acme 422. Took the boat out today with the 422 on it...problem Solved 100%. Take off improved also. Thanks for the input and to Gary at Delta.