Heavy vibrations?

wgoodhoofd

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 15, 2006
Messages
97
We just had our first day on our 2006 Four Winns Horizon 180 and loved every minute of it. Right now, I'm actually looking at it in the driveway from my window, pretty sweet deal.

While we were on the lake, putting the first few hours on it, there was a large amount of vibration when the boat was in "first" gear, right off of idle. I'm not sure if this is from the engine settling in for the first few hours, or what. Any suggestions? It's a 3.0L Mercruiser 135HP with Alpha 1 drive.
 

fishnfiend

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2005
Messages
115
Re: Heavy vibrations?

I'd suspect the prop first. I just bought a new prop, had vibration, ran the motor in the driveway (on the muffs - water supply). Lower unit shook like crazy - new prop was off center/unbalanced.

Careful there aren't any kids/dogs/cats around if you run the motor in gear in your driveway. It'll slice and dice anything it touches.
 

Purduebarry

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Messages
378
Re: Heavy vibrations?

New boat, right back to the dealer! Vibration is bad and will trash the lower unit, gears, motor etc. I'd find out right away what is going on. As fish said new doesn't mean perfect and that's what I'd want from a new boat. BTW follow break in instructions to a fault, assuming you were given some. "Just drive it" is okay for cars but not boats. Perhaps things will smooth out a bit with break in but I'd still want to verify that everything is correct and make them document your concerns, in writing!

Grats on the new ride, I hope she smooths out!
 
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