Ski Boat Forum
Repairs and Maintenance => Boat Maintenance - American Skier => Topic started by: rickturl on May 04, 2016, 03:29:57 PM
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I just purchased a 1990 American Skier Volante - yesterday! On the test ride I notice vibration starting around 1000 RPM when the boat was in gear, and becoming very noticeable by 2000 RPM. However, there was absolutely no vibration when the boat was revved but not in gear. I am guessing that this means the prop is out of balance (or a drive train issue.) I would appreciate some advice and help:
- Would prop dings such as those in the attached photos be sufficient to cause noticeable vibration?
- Should the prop be repaired or just replaced?
- What is the recommended prop choice? I am a slalom skier and care more about the hole shot than top end speed. I have seen the ACME 541 recommended on other forum posts. Are there favorites sites for buying props and parts?
- What tools are required to complete this job? (Prop nut wrench, Prop puller, ...?)
- Are there any directions available online for this job? Is it recommended for a competent, but not experienced do-it-yourself-er?
- Is there other work recommended to be done whenever the prop is replaced? Seals? Bearings?...
Thank you for any help you can provide.
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Prop dings are kinda weird animals. I've seen a prop much worse than yours be virtually vibration free. Others might have the tiniest ding in one blade cause severe vibration at anything above idle.
Yours is messed up bad. Find a prop shop and they can rebuild it or by a 541 like you mentioned and you'll have much better overall performance then that stock Federal. Still get the Federal rebuilt and keep as a spare.
Also get a hold of Ron Tanis (aka...skiboatpartsonline.com) and he can get you straightened out for parts, service and general questions.
Look at Ron''s videos posted on this site and You Tube and that goes through a prop removal/replacement. If you know what a wrench is you can change it. You'll need a prop puller or borrow one from a friend if they have one.
Not meaning any disrespect but you sound like a rookie inboard owner if not even a first time boat owner. Do yourself a favor and get one of your favorite adult beverages and start reading this forum. Start with technical discussions and go from there. You'll be amazed at what you can learn. Also look at all of Ron's videos that he has made and posted. Some really good information there.
FYI, if your prop is that bad, I would also suggest checking and verifying the prop shaft alignment. If a prop has taken a hit like yours, the prop shaft may be bent or the alignment has been knocked off. Both of which can cause vibrations even after the prop is repaired and/or premature prop shaft wear. All posted on videos.
Start reading Grasshopper.
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Thank you backfoot! I had not previously found Ron's YouTube channel - that material is great! I'm contacting Ron now for parts. I'm a "rookie inboard owner," but not a rookie boat owner. I'm excited to make the switch.
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Welcome. These boats can be somewhat unique to own, operate and maintain but the rewards far outnumber the minuses. The performance, tracking and handling compared to other runabouts and pleasure cruisers is like comparing a Ferrari to a mini van. There really is no comparison.
Have fun with it and post some pics.
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I have now installed and tested a new ACME 541 13x12 prop. On the first water test the results were excellent with virtually all vibration eliminated. If the water weren't so cold I would have tested the hole shot from a slalom deep water start. Next up, verifying prop shaft alignment.