2014 G23 Strut/Shaft Alignment Spec

[lffish133]

I have a new to me 2014 G23. After doing some work and testing on the boat, we noticed that it seems like the prop shaft, although aligned well mechanically, doesn't seem to be aligned perfectly straight with the running surface of the boat. I'm wondering if anyone knows the shaft and strut alignment spec from Nautique? Things I would be interested to know are the shaft angle relative to the keel, shaft angle relative to the hull and run out allowed in the prop shaft through hole or any other information that may be helpful. I wouldn't imagine that the strut was supposed to be slightly "offset" but I wanted to make sure.

[Jonny Quest]

Please elaborate: “well aligned mechanically”. Does this mean that you performed a prop shaft alignment check? Key understanding is that prop shaft alignment begins at the strut. So, if the strut has been bent, then the original engine / transmission / V-drive alignment would be off. If the strut is not bent, then re-check alignment. Alignment spec is that the coupler faces must be parallel to within 0.003” (at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees).

JQ

[lffish133]

Thanks! Yes the prop shaft alignment check has been performed starting at the strut and following the PCM specifications from the engine manual. Upon a second inspection of the work we realized the prop shaft appears to be very slightly misaligned, on a very slight angle to the starboard side. We double checked the alignment starting at the strut and it is aligned. It doesn't appear that the strut has been bent or messed with so that is the reason for the question. I wanted to make sure Nautique didn't slightly offset the shaft from the factory on these boats for some reason, before I take the strut off and re-align everything perfectly.

[Jonny Quest]

Assuming you have performed an alignment (and re-confirmed) and the alignment is within spec…run it.

JQ

[lffish133]

Yes, I have already lake tested it several times, which is what led me to post this question about the strut alignment spec in relation to boat. I have noticed that at times the boat feels slightly squirly, like it's not quite locked in and tracking straight and wants to slide. I've never felt that in a Nautique, and I've driven Nautiques for a long time. I wasn't sure if that was just a G thing if the boat wasn't performing correctly due to the subtle misalignment.