Sailing south in Baja! Prop Shaft Problems Before an Overnight Passage
June 21, 2026 · 22 min · 395 views · Baja California
Sunset sails south past Baja’s mountain silhouettes
What this video covers
A Tartan Marine 34 C crew performs an engine-to-prop-shaft alignment to address excessive vibration during a coastal transit in the Gulf of California.3:33 After motoring 43 nautical miles from Refugio to Pescador, the owner identifies that the engine sits lower than the prop shaft, causing a misalignment in the vertical plane.3:07 To correct this, the crew loosens the flexible coupler and the dripless shaft seal, then uses feeler gauges at 90-degree intervals to achieve a tolerance of approximately three thousandths of an inch.5:00 The process requires removing and re-orienting the flange after an initial installation error.8:09 Following the adjustment, the vibration significantly decreases during the subsequent 24-to-28-hour passage to Santa Rosalia.10:22 Upon arrival, the crew reports a new issue with the water maker, which is producing water at 600 parts per million.21:22 The crew prepares for docking by rigging fenders and lines on both sides of the vessel, anticipating potential changes to the assigned slip.18:43
Boats in this video
More from Sailing Adventure Can't Wait
From Sailing Adventure Can't Wait — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.