94 196 vibrates on hardleft turn

[Bmiller108]

I just purchased a 1994 Nautique 196 that appears to be in excellent condition. It runs like a champ and is very clean. I have noticed that when I turn to the right it is a smooth turn and no issues with vibration. When I turn to the left it sounds and feels rough. I was told by the old owner that this is normal for this year of boat this is a normal issue and that it may have to do with the rotation of the motor and/or prop. I have opened the inspection plate and their is no excessive leak and the shaft appears to be straight and the prop has no damage. The owner has never 'beached' the boat and there has never been any serious hit at the rear. Is this normal, and if it is not then any thoughts on what mey be the culprit?

[TRBenj]

Let me guess- you have the original 3-blade OJ prop on the boat, right?

Ive seen this for myself, and heard of it occurring on several boats equipped the same way. I wouldnt call it "normal", but more of typical result of a poor matching of components. Do yourself a favor and upgrade the prop! A new Acme would really wake the boat up.

FYI, in 1994, it was just a "Ski Nautique". The "196" moniker wasnt added until 2003.

[Super_sport]

I have a 95 Super Sport V-Drive (same issue)... rough on the left turns.. yes, its from the 3 blade prop and some other minor issues... I plan to upgrade to an Acme wakeboard 4-blade this winter. You may also check the steering linkage in the transom. I found mine to have some slop in it from an extra piece of linkage that really didnt need to be there. so I removed the extra piece, shortened up the arm slightly and tightened up the joints.. no more slop, less vibration... As soon as the 4 blade goes on, I think it will be a totally new feel... another thing I noticed is that if I let go of the steering wheel under power, boy that wheel (and boat) want to turn left quickly... kinda scarey... but just dont let go under power...

[Bmiller108]

thanks for the reply. Yes as a matter of fact I do have the original OJ prop. I know this because I just had it repaired and balanced. Is there a secret to getting the correct prop? I believe my boat has a gear reduction and I have heard that the prop needs be be proper for the set up. My steering doesn't have an slop in it and the boat runs true even with the hands off the wheel. I am guessing it is the prop, so are there any suggestions on the model number or size?

[TRBenj]

Yes, you most likely have the 1.23 transmission and will need a prop sized accordingly. Tell us more about your powertrain (engine size and hp level, as well as confirmation on the transmission), and tell us how you use the boat- that would allow us to give a decent recommendation.

All of the new CNC props from Acme and OJ are worlds better than the original hand finished wheel in terms of performance and smoothness.

[Super_sport]

Also, I contacted Delta Prop by email and they were very good about their recommendations for my specific application and boat. Plus I think they offer a PN discount if I am not mistaken... and of course, there are plenty of people on this forum with a wealth of information and personal experience that would be more than happy to make recommendations to you. But check with the masters at Delta or Acme direct also, as a cross reference.

[TRBenj]

Feel free to cross reference the recommendations, but I would be a little skeptical about Delta. They are a great source for props- great customer service and pricing- but I have found their recommendations to be somewhat questionable. They dont seem to line up with personal experience, nor with what I would expect to hear from Acme. Bill at Acme is a great resource, and actually compiles data from his customers- so that is usually a worthwhile phone call. Of course, the people supplying Acme the data are also the ones most likely to be giving you good information on here- so this (or CCFan) is about the best place to come for a good recommendation.

[Bmiller108]

In researching my boat it looks like I have the last 351 with a carb. I think it is around 277 horses? The tranny does have the gear reduction, according to the manual I found on-line. I use the boat to pull skiers and some younger kids on their inner tubes. Top speed is not a priority for me but a hole shot is! With that in mind, any suggestions on the prop? I will certainly check Delta and Acme for ideas as well.

[TRBenj]

CC offered carb'd PCM's through the late 90's. Take a look at your engine's serial number to determine if its a standard (240-255hp) or HO (285-300hp) version. Also check the tranny tag to verify that you have the 1.23... the 1:1 was still available in '94.

If you say that top speed isnt a priority, then I assume you dont barefoot? How serious of a slalom skier are you?