On my last haul out, skeg bearing was replaced on my Adams 31, shaft drive, Beta 25hp. Since then I've got this vibration/chatter at cruising speed, approx 2700rpm. Before that there was no problem.
If the sea state is super flat/smooth it won't do it. If I'm tied up in the berth testing at same rpm in gear, again no problem. As soon as I'm out motoring, it's there.
Any suggestions on where to look first? Anyone had anything similar?
I'm going to go and check the alignment. Shaft feels free to turn but there's a tiny tight spot.
When did you last replace your polyflex connector?
If its work harden you will never get the alignment right.
A quick check is to turn the shaft and see if the engine moves, usually up and down at the front..
Good luck.
Update:
Finally got to have a look over the holiday period.
The anodes looked ok. The coupling was only 3 months old, so in good shape.
Alignment was a bit disappointing. Nose of the engine needed to be lowered, and the back needed to be higher. One could easily see it, that's how far out it was. I'm feeling s little annoyed to find this after getting the skeg bearing replaced. Obviously they've just left the alignment as is, bolted it everything up and called it done.
After the adjustments it feels much better. There's now slight vibration around 1300rpm, but at least seems smooth around cruise/running rpm.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I'm still surprised that with the alignment out, there was no vibration if the water state was smooth. I'd have thought you'd get it regardless.
Good to hear you found the cause. But this is another of many instances I hear of really lousy work by marine so-called tradesmen working on diesels and driveline. And another reason to learn to do it yourself.
Cheers, Graeme
