Vibration Question

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:47 am

So, I was running back from long trip offshore Sat and all of a sudden developed a bit of vibration; pretty noticable because crew noticed too. She didnt loose speed and I am sure we didnt hit anything. I ran it up and down the throttle and it really didnt change much. Five miles later it starts to leesson and then goes away. Again, everyone notices its gone so not me being paranoid. My gut is that I had something caught on running gear and freed itself as we ran. If a prop was dinged or other issues with running gear I doubt it would go away. Now I hear from a friend that cracks can devlop in shafts and create intermitent vibration. Any insight before I pull the boat?

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 11:28 am

Is it port or starboard? Does it happen in reverse? Port side props can loosen up and slide down the shaft. It will make a noticeable chatter in reverse. The first thing I would do is jump in the water with a pair of goggles and take a look-see at my running gear. Not sure where your from but the water must be nice this time of year.

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:20 pm

The prop might be a little loose on the shaft, or maybe a shaft zinc is sliding up and down the shaft. Since re-powering with diesels, I've had issues in the past with the starbord prop riding up the shaft and coming loose (2 times actually).

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:40 pm

Starboard or Port????

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:02 pm

I have had similar experiences with other boats.. usually I have stopped dead in the water, put it into reverse and revved it a little, then back in forward and problem went away.. I suspect usually I had picked up a plastic bag or a piece of line.. reversing frees it. I do know of a sailboat about 150 miles out of Bermuda, under sail, that picked up a large piece of plastic tarpaulin, at night. They wondered why they weren't making good speed.. in the AM that saw they were dragging about a 15' long piece about 8' wide! It made a great drogue!

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:28 pm

First thing I do when when I feel a vibration when running is stop and back down. This usually clears it up. Buzz

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 3:18 pm

quote:Originally posted by BECCA ROSE Starboard or Port???? Starboard.

Good as Gold · Post by **Good as Gold** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 5:58 pm

I had that happen to me last year. As the others said I stopped and and then tapped it in reverse. Out shot a plastic bucket! It probably is a good idea to check it out. Good luck-Doug

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 11:32 am

Having it hauled and checked tommorow. Not worth worrying every time I feel the slightest wiggle. I will bet anything it's fine since I'm spending to be careful!