Can’t find correct propshaft

[Plumpdragon 0]

I just bought my first boat, I was told it’s a 1985 ski centurion, the motor runs but it does not have a prop shaft and I cannot seem to find out what size it needs, I know almost nothing about boats and I’m from the dirtbike world, where finding the OEM parts you need is as easy as a few clicks. Please any info you can give to point me in the right direction would be appreciated.

[Timr71 30]

Hi,

I hope this helps. Your boat came with a 1" inch diameter prop shaft. Off the top of my head I don't know the exact length needed. It's roughly 42 inches. Do you have a usable strut?  Prop?  Prop shaft log?  

Take a look at this catalog from Marine Hardware you'll see what's available. You might call them and they could advise you. http://www.marinehardware.com/downloads/running_gear.pdf

Also you can contact Ron Tanis at Skiboatpartsonline.com and he might know what prop shaft you need too.  http://skiboatpartsonline.com/Inboard-Ski-Boat-Parts/

[Plumpdragon 0]

Thank you SO much for being the first person to give me some real info. 

To my knowledge the strut, coupler and prop are usable. From the output coupler on the V-Drive to the outside edge of the stern side of the strut is 42 9/16 inches

The previous owner swears it needs a 47” shaft, but I don’t fully trust his judgment based on some things i’ve found with the boat so I wanted someone else to confirm that info.

 

Do you have any info on how I can tell what specific model it is? Can I tell from the HIN? 

 

Thanks again for the help

[Timr71 30]

The last two digits of the HIN number will tell you the year that the boat was manufactured. 

If your boat is actually a 1985 model, you should be able to determine what model it is by matching it up to the model specs located here on the NADA website.  https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1985/Centurion-Boats

Is it really a V-Drive? as opposed to a direct drive? a DD is a true inboard boat where the engine is pretty much in the center of the boat.  Ski Centurion was one of the first to make a V-Drive, but they were pretty rare back then. V-Drives didn't become all the rage until way later in the late 90s about a decade after your boat.  

Post up some pictures and we can determine what it is.

If it's a Tru Trac or a Concourse - both tournament ski boats, we'll be able to figure the prop shaft thing out. plus prop shafts from other manufactures will fit up. If it's a V-Drive you're probably going to have to fill out the measurement worksheet for Marine Hardware and have them make you a new shaft.  

 

I hope this helps.  

[Timr71 30]

More potential information here, in this thread. Including guys who have mid 80s Tru Tracs. If that's what this boat is, they could probably help with a true prop shaft measurement.

 

Also here's a link to WaterSki magazine, but this is the oldest one we could find. it's for 1987.  

https://books.google.com/books?id=8B02AQAAMAAJ&lpg=PA6&dq=1987 Water Ski boat buyers guide&pg=RA1-PA47#v=onepage&q=1987 Water Ski boat buyers guide&f=false