1995 225 hp lower unit problems

[chriscraft213]

I rehabbed a 1984 chris craft center console - closed in the transom - added an armstrong bracket. The cavitation plate on the motor was about 3 1/2 to 4 inches above the keel . (next to the top hole.) I fish in the gulf of mexico most of the time and find myself in 1 to 2 feet seas on a regular basis. I usually cruise at 4500 rpms at about 29 miles an hour. I noticed during the last 2 trips - espcially in a fllowing sea that my motor barked - prop came out of the water about every other wave. This was ever so brief but frequent. I guess it has the effect of meshing and unmeshing the forward gears and pinion gear. Torque in the water - no torque to speak of when it barks and retorquing when it goes back in. I have gone through 3 used lower units in the last 9 months. Granted I may have bought used equipment - but do ya'll feel the prop coming out as I described is the contributing factor. I have since dropped the motor down one hole and am in the process of re-propping.