Steering Vibration

[jedgell]

Last summer I bought my first inboard, a '95 Ski. This is the first inboard I've spent much time driving, so I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is normal or not. When I turn left, at just about any speed, the boat vibrates and gets louder. This isn't something new, its been doing it since I've owned it. The boat doesn't shake the whole boat, but its definately vibrating. This doesn't happen when turning to the right. I can turn right at its smooth as can be. Does this have anything to do with the rotation of the prop? There is a small nick in the prop, but it doesn't vibrate under normal operations. Thanks in advance for the help.

[skinautique]

The nick could do it a little bit but there is a cavitation that was caused with that hull design. More than likely if it doesn't happen to the right but it happens to the left, it is the cavitation. A four bladed prop will take away some of that cavitation and make the wakes better too.

[bbc3]

if you don't want to buy a new prop, you might try having it rebalanced. We bumped a tree stump in our '92 excel and started having vibrations. Out of the water, the prop looked TOTALLY fine. We spent the bucks to have the shaft aligned...didn't fix it. finally we got the prop rebalanced and WHALA! no more vibration. the guy told us even the slightest imperfection in the blade pitch/shape can send ya shaking...good luck

[cabcadd]

New prop?

I have this same problem and was thinking about one of the new CNC machined 3 blade props. I understand they have as much blade area as a 4 blade. Any experience with this type prop and its affect on the "left turn vibration"

The nick could do it a little bit but there is a cavitation that was caused with that hull design. More than likely if it doesn't happen to the right but it happens to the left, it is the cavitation. A four bladed prop will take away some of that cavitation and make the wakes better too.

[skinautique]

I have not played around with the CNC 3 blade props at all. I have driven a number of the 90-96 SN's with the 4 blade OJ on them. There is a substantial differences in the amount of vibration/cavitation. You will also gain a little bit more holeshot but you will lose a little bit on the top end. If you try this prop, let us know how it goes.

[NautiqueJeff]

I had a CNC 3-Blade Acme on my '94. It was most certainly a smoother-running prop than the original. I had a vibration during left turns too, and the new prop eliminated it.

[cabcadd]

Mine is a 94 SN also. Which ACME prop did you use? Aside from the vibration, did it otherwise improve performance over the stock prop? I primarily slalom ski, any signficant affect on the wake?

[cinekw]

RE: CNC Props

I've used ACME #540 3 blade prop on my 1980 SN and the difference between the original 13x13 and the new ACME was unbelievable, no vibration, very smooth, nicer wake, better handling and stopping. This prop was superior to the old one.

I sold my 1980 and I purchased 1990 SN and I am getting ACME Model #612 for it.

I you call ACME they can tell you which prop is the best for your application.

[b2]

Chuck away that old OJ and fit the Acme.

[jedgell]

I ended up getting the Acme 4 blade and it solved all the vibration problems. Its also quieter and the wake is a little softer. Very worth the money!