Trim problem
 

Yesterday while out on the lake I started the boat, put it in gear and felt and heard a loud thump(was in about 20 ft. of water). Checked all the gauges and everything was ok. Stopped the engine and raised the lower unit and everything looked ok. Later that day was running about 50 with the lower trimmed up and started to lower the lower unit and felt the boat "shudder". The lower unit went down without any problem. Stopped the boat again and raised the lower unit and the prop and lower unit looked ok. I'm trying to determine what happened and why all of a sudden I get a shudder when I lower the lower unit at speeds over 45 mph. All fluid levels that I can see look ok. The lower unit doesn't seem to have any side to side play in it and the prop looks perfect. Anyone have any ideas???????????????????
P.S.--2004 Baja 275 with a HO

Re: Trim problem
 

Okay - Process of Elimination:

Drive Fluid at Normal Level - Okay
Trim Pump Fluid at Normal Level - Okay
(No Visible Fluid Leaks)

Prop show no visible damage - Okay

Drive does not show any visible damage - Okay
Drive is NOT loose - Okay

________________________________________

With all the above in good shape I would say you have some bad problems.

Could possibly be internal in the drive, but I'm guessing Gimbal Bearing.

How many hours are on the boat?

Re: Trim problem
 

Boat has 92 hours on it. Last year when they were servicing the boat they found that the boot was leaking and they had to replace the gimble bearing and some other internal parts. The dealer said that the boot was defective and that there had been some problems with them and Merc was replacing them with new ones. Is there anything else I should have noticed about the operation of the boat if the gimble was bad?

Re: Trim problem
 

A couple of years ago now I lost some teeth off the upper gear set on my starboard drive.

We were cruising at 45 MPH with six people on board from Beaufort, SC back to Charleston, SC.

I heard the problem, but all gauges read perfect and we had 30 miles to go so I just kept on trucking.

When we finally came off plane the boat shook bad and we all thought that I had a bad u-Joint.

I only used it to dock and then to get on the trailer and it had some bad clunk noises and shook the boat while in gear.

The more I think about what you have written I'm leaning toward the internals of the drive.

Re: Trim problem
 

Jay,

You may want to take a good luck at the engine mounts and make sure they are all tight and that the motor has not shifted making the drive line angle off. That would put stress on the gimbal and the u-joint.

Did you spin the prop on the drive while on the trailer?

Most problems internal will be obvious when you spin the prop.

May want to start it on the hose and stand at a safe distance behind the boat and watch while someone shifts the drive in and out of gear and trims it up and down a little.

Dock

Re: Trim problem
 

Thanks for the advice Mark. We'll run it up on the trailer and see what happens. Last time I was in at the Ski Dock they reminded me that the boat was out of warranty, but I think the engine and lower unit has a 2 year warranty so it should still be good---I hope!!! Damn this boating stuff is fun---almost like being self employed :D

Re: Trim problem
 

Standard warranty is one year on hull, engine and drive. Unless you have an extended warranty. However a really good dealer can pull some strings especially on the drive with that few of hours. Mine got me a complete BRAND new drive two months after the warranty ended.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Re: Trim problem
 

I think when I bought the boat they told me 2 yrs. on the engine and drive. I guess this will be the time to see if I heard right--I hope so. Will take it in tomorrow.

Re: Trim problem
 

Good luck buddy, keep us posted. At your age the hearing may be going also! :evilb:

Re: Trim problem
 

LMAO!!! :D :D :D :drink:

I was also told that I have 2 years on my engine and drive package. I have an "05" 25ol with an HO.

In "05" my warranty is as follows:

1 yr Bow to Stern
2 yrs Engine and Drive
5 yrs Structural Hull

Re: Trim problem
 

Hey that's GREAT!

I do not remember that being the case with my 02 model.

Re: Trim problem
 

It could also be Baja stepping it up another notch!! They seemed to have stepped it up every year since I have been a fan!! :drink:

Re: Trim problem
 

Jay's hearing is going and your memory is fading! Getting old SUCKS don't it!!!!! :evilb: LMAO

Re: Trim problem
 

I do remember that fancy paint job on your 29! :evilb:

I think? :rolleyes:

Re: Trim problem
 

I'm still saving up for it!!! I can't afford me!! I am just a painter you know!!!!!! :D

Re: Trim problem
 

Y'all are out of control again. I was going to say something else but I forgot--never mind--the're here to pick me up and take me back to the home :eek:

Re: Trim problem
 

You are an Artist brother!

Just don't drink the thinner and end up like Jay! :eek:

Re: Trim problem
 

Two Year Warrant is CORRECT.

Here's why...

Baja Marine is IQ certified by Mercury MerCruiser®
What does this mean?

This propulsion-installation quality certification program brings a new standard of excellence in customer service and product quality to Baja owners. It is the first and only comprehensive manufacturer-installation certification program in the boating industry. To become certified, Baja Marine worked with Mercury engineers to review Baja’s design and installation processes and implement Lean Six Sigma processes and training programs for increased manufacturing efficiency and world-class process control on the boat plant floor.

And what does this mean to you?

All new Baja owners who purchase after the certification date will receive a two-year Mercury limited engine warranty on their new MerCruiser-powered Bajas. So you can go faster, farther and longer with extra confidence!



http://bajamarine.com/index.asp?display=iq&tab=4&

Re: Trim problem
 

Thanks Baja!! :D

Re: Trim problem
 

Re: Trim problem
 

Called the Ski Dock yesterday. They are replacing the Gimbal bearing, drive shaft, u joints and the boot etc etc. Said that merc is paying for most of it but they(ski dock) are paying for some of it to. Seems to be a question about the proper installation of the same parts about 6 months ago :mad They also said that defective boots have been a continuing problem. Seems as though they never have time to do it right the first time but always have time to do it right the second time---I hope! I asked to see if they would extend the normal warranty for another year seeing how this is the second time they have replaced these same parts within a year. Does anyone think this request is out of line?????? Why or why not??

Re: Trim problem
 

Jay,

Glad they are taking care of you. It is always a pain when something like this happens, but they seem to be doing the right thing.

As for the request to extend the warranty, I do not feel that it is out of line at all. But lets face it, if they do the repair properly, warranty will not be an issue. It should be several years before this has to be touched again.

Good luck

Dock

Re: Trim problem
 

Picked the boat up today. Seems like there was NOT a defective part. I was told that the tech that installed the boot the last time did not do it correctly and therefore water leaked in and so much for the bearings and U joints. The Ski Dock stepped up to the plate, told me the truth, and completed the work as soon as the parts arrived. Can't ask for much more than that. My hat is off to Dell(owner of Ski Dock) and his service department for doing the right thing and taking responsibility for their error.
Thanks for all the good advise Doc and others--your help is really appreicated--if I can just remember what Doc told me--It's hell getting old--ain't it Doc :D

Re: Trim problem
 

I'm sorry. what is this thread about?

Re: Trim problem
 

Jay,

Very glad they stepped up to the plate and did what any company should that wants to stay in business and keep their customers coming back has to do and should do.

Hats off to "SKI DOCK".

I wish we had a "Ski Dock", "Alton Blakely" or "Hawkeye" here in the Carolina's.

Happy Boating.

Dock