Engine / prop vibration 2003 360DA

[La Maddalena]

We took the boat out today for our first "solo" cruise (w/o broker/instructor) around Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. Gray overcast day, 45 degrees, light sprinkles - typical Seattle weather (January through June :lol. Lots of flotsom in the water - large logs, branches, chunks of wood, etc. All was well, we circumnavigated Bainbridge Island cruising at about 3000 RPM. On the return back to the marina, about 15 minutes out, I noticed a strong vibration in the boat. At first I thought it was becasue I had been adjusting the throttles up and down, and I just wasn't in a good cruise speed sweet spot. But when I slowed down and sped back up to 3000 RPM again the vibration was unchanged throughout the range of RPMs. Next I went into idle and tried each throttle individually. The port engine/prop was fine and smooth, the starboard engine/prop had the vibration.

Thoughts? It feels like the prop or shaft is unbalanced, causing the vibration. My immediate thought was that although I was very careful and didn't feel or hear the boat hit anything, that we hit a submerged log with the starboard prop or shaft causing some damage to one or the other. Second thought is that something (line) is wrapped around the shaft. Would appreciate any insights. I will contact our local Sea Ray service department tomorrow.

 

[Hampton]

You are right. Either a prop hit or a wrap around line. If you cannot dive/ snorkel your own boat, this may require a professional look. Do you have a guy to clean your bottom? Lots of times this is a cheaper way to a quick look underneath than a huge shop with overhead expenses....

Like a pilot going solo for the first time, theres's a chance that's it's only something that you're hearing that is normal, but from your description, I'm guessing not. Good luck. It can be fixed, whatever it is.

 

[La Maddalena]

Thanks for the reply John. My instincts for the prop damage or wrapped line are based on reading CSR posts (many of yours) over the past 2 years - this site is invaluable. We have a dive service in the marina for zinc replacements, bottom cleaning, etc. so I can have one of their divers take a look.

 

[Aarrhh & Aarrhh]

If the prop is bent ask if your dive service can remove it. I had mine do it and saved the expense of a haul out.

 

[La Maddalena]

Yes, thanks. I was planning to talk to the dive service about that.

 

[my3sons]

the vibration was unchanged throughout the range of RPMs. Next I went into idle and tried each throttle individually. The port engine/prop was fine and smooth, the starboard engine/prop had the vibration.

Hi Larry,
You mention engine/prop together, more than likely you are on the right track, but how was it when the transmissions were in neutral? Was the idle RPM's steady and smooth at 650? Did the vibration seem timed to the engine speed or shaft speed? (just trying to rule out a couple dropped cylinders).
Good luck and keep us posted

 

[earthmover17]

Hire the diver.

Jack

 

[La Maddalena]

When I dropped the throttles back to idle and was sitting in neutral, I didn't notice any vibration. I did manage to kill the starboard engine somehow, but it started right back up again. I didn't notice any unusal sound that would indicate an engine problem. I didn't have any problem controlling the boat during normal docking procedures (steering with transmission only) at idle speed, and didn't notice any vibration at that speed.

 

[earthmover17]

Larry,
If everything was fine on the way out and this started on the way back it's more than likely that you either hit something or wound something up on the prop. It doesn't take much to throw a wheel out. Wheel vibrations are not usually felt until the RPM's are up.
Hire a diver.

Jack

 

[PMvdb395DA]

Hello Larry,

I know for sure that nothing is wrong with your prop or shaft.
Because if you hit something you should have heart it for sure.
If you wrapped some line around your prop, this is what you get.

What is the water temp, can you go in yourself?

Regards Peter

 

[La Maddalena]

Thanks Peter. I hope you are right - a wrapped line would be much easier to fix. Water temp is about 51 degrees - doesn't change much year round on the Puget Sound. Nobody dives without a full suit - dry suits seem to be the most popular around here. Simplest thing for me is just to hire local the local marina dive service so I'll do that this week.