Trojan Boat Forum

Hello everyone. I got my 1975 F26 hardtop last weekend. Even though some work is needed, I'm proud to be the new owner. Here in the midwest the season is pretty much over and I'd like to fix some things for next year. The main one is vibration issues. The previous owner put a damper/flex coupling between the shaft couplings after rebuilding the 233hp merc. It doesn't help with vibration problems and wonder what you guys think of damper/flex couplings. Does anyone here recommend a brand or style. I'm having the prop checked already. Also plan to remove the prop shaft to see if it's bent. I've never had an inboard before so this is all new. I love this boat! Thanks for any help.

Use a dial indicator on the shaft just ahead of the prop before you pull the shaft out and you might get an idea how bent it is. I have one that is .005 out and I can't feel it vibrate after getting the prop straightened. And also, with the motor running in gear(tied to the dock) you will be able to feel for vibration in the shaft just behind the coupling. If it vibrates at the coupling you can check the alignment of the coupling with a feeler gage in four apposing places between the couplings by loosening the coupling bolts just slitely. I sure some of the other guys here can give more info on this subject.