1999 Epic 21 Vibration

[jboater]

I purchased a 1999 Epic 21 this winter.  I knew better than to buy a boat during the winter but this boat was VERY clean with only 140 hours and did start right up.  Well I put her in the water a few weeks ago and the problems began, sluggish, misfire, vibrations, electrical and water issues.  After a few weekends of general maintenance (Plugs, oil change, all filters, impeller and bilge pump replacement) I finally got it running good with the exception of excessive vibrations (Above 25 MPH), excessive water from the shaft and a VERY noisy dash.

My main concern at this point is the vibrations.  I have checked the prop/shaft and both appear straight with no signs what so ever of any wear/tear/nicks/scrapes nothing. The prop looks brand new not even one ding.  The prop shaft does have a little play (Left to right) at the support.  I understand there is some bearings in the support?  How do I check these to verify they are in good working order?  Has anyone else experienced vibration issues?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  This is my first shaft drive I have owned numerous inboard/outboards but no shaft drives.  Also any suggestions on the shaft leaking.  I saw a few posts on the waterless packing but did not really want to spend that kind of money.  I will attempt to adjust once the vibration issue is resolved but may simply have to repack.       

[breakawaydaze]

Could be as simple as improper installation of prop.  Always start with easy first.  The guy at acme marine once explained to me that the shaft key may not be seated properly and therefore the prop is not seated correctly.  Get a prop puller and pull prop, remove key, clean and lubricate and then reinstall according to Acme instructions.  If your prop is not seated it will cause shaft vibrations which loosens the packing which causes leaking.

Reisnstall Prop and then just try to tighten the shaft nuts, don't forget the cotter pin for shaft wadding nuts. 

Waterless packing is nice, but expensive.  It is fairly easy to tighten the packing and not a big job to replace.

I don't think the prop shaft should have any play, but if the prop is balanced and installed correctly there should not be any vibration.

Let us know....

[HCollado]

Welcome,

Be sure to run high test gas. Try to find it without Ethanol. If you can find it without, use StaBil Marine. It will help with the Ethanol crap.

Running regular gas will make it feel like it needs a tuneup.

[Capt Rick]

1. Put engine in nuetral and rev up does it vibrate >>>>
2. Put it in gear and watch shaft as it goes into shaft log> White plastic housing. is it smooth
3. If it woobles or if you cant rest a stick on top of smooth shaft - you have bent shaft.
4. Check alignment see maint section.
5 There should be no more the .003 " movement at strut.
6. rotate shaft and look at shaft end see if it woobles. ( .003 ) means shaft bent.
7. put stick at prop tip roatate shaft see if same spot contact stick ( if off bent prop. )

Capt Rick  boatetrade@aol.com

[jboater]

replaced shaft bearing and new acme prop problem solved.  Now I have to fix all these electrical issues.

[skibeau]

Good Job