From what other inboard users have reported, the tunnel in the inboard hull limits the diameter of the prop you can run without that rumble. I believe you can decrease diameter by adding another blade. If you could find a 4 blade 16x24 you'd probably be in better shape. The whole idea of reduction gears is to be able to run a bigger diameter prop at slower rpm as that is more efficient, since you're limited in diameter by the tunnel you might have to look for a differently geared drive. If you still have your original drive you can easily rebuild or have it rebuilt. It is crucial for the nut inside the output flange to be torqued to specs as it pulls two sets of conical bearings tight and aligns the shaft. If your drive was leaking out of the back seal make sure the output flange surfaces are square and everything seats properly. I believe aligment problems in the propshaft will cause these problems over time. The drive should easily handle the loads you're talking about.
|