I'm coming to ask the experts of mmt.

Question 1
For the last 3 seasons I have been running a 2007 Beavertail lt w/27 hp Kohler. It had 50 hrs when I bought it & now has approx 100 hrs. The rig is kept in the garage and before each season I use synthetic grease for the shaft and synthetic oil for the motor, all filters and spark plug are changed. The motor runs great but the shaft does get real warm. You can keep your hand on it, but it still seems more than it should be. Is this normal for lt's and could it be a bearing issue?

Second question
Motors on a 15x38 Gator Trax. I'm getting 20 mph by myself and 13ish with dog 2 guys and 5dz decs. Do these speeds seems about right? Should I look into a different prop? It currently has the original 2 blade and is approx 80%.

I've called Beavertail but let's say their motor is alot better than their customer service.

Thanks

I have never seen a Beavertail LT up close but the heat issue I can understand. If there is excessive play at the prop end, say, more than 1/8", that should indicate replacement of bearings and seals. Out of the water, especially in this summer heat, the housing gets warm/hot near the top and lower bearings, but should not get so hot you can' leave your hand there a while. Even though my MB 27 Kohler LT uses very little grease, I check the shaft housing level before each run. On my unit there is a grease zerk near the prop, and one in the middle of the shaft. I pump the synthetic grease until I see any old grease come out of the middle zerk hole. I believe BT also uses roller bearings so don't overgrease them, especially the U-joint grease zerk. I would also check alignment and make sure the engine motor mount bolts, shaft key, and U-joint components are tightened or seated fully.
Not familiar with the GT 1538 but your speed running by yourself seems good- that's what I get on my 1648 grizzly, but with all that load the other speed seems about right- but I get 15.5 mph with my rig loaded like that- I am using a 9x6 prop because that is what works best for me- even though the 27 is rated for the 9x7. 80% could definitely affect overall performance- I would get a new prop and keep the worn one for backup (or vice versa until duck season begins). What does that GT hull weigh? GT makes some tough hulls for sure.

Appreciate the response Glades.

I checked the prop and there is zero play, same with U joint. All the motor bolts looks good, u joints components also. I only have a zerk at the U joint ( BT said not to grease because its easy to blow that seal) and another in the middle of the shaft. When I regrease, we use the middle zerk, loosen the prop and slide it down, and when new grease shows we stop. I dont know any other way since it does not have gage like my brothers GD LT.

I do get some grease that comes out the top collar at the upper end of the shaft when running. It doesnt pour out but there is about a small marble sized amount. Would that mean the seal is bad?

Thanks again as I have a mud motor learning disability

Sounds normal, my 13hp bevertail was the same way, those bevertails are good products, but they are lacking with the grease level. It's hard to judge how much you need.
Your speed sounds about right, that gator Trax is very heavy, any where around 20mph is expected.
With my 27 hp mb and a 1548 I get around 20 mph with good conditions.
You might want to shift your load/weight around to find your best speed.
Hope this helps!

The shaft housing being warm is normal, now hot to the touch not so much, there is a certain allowable tolerance of friction hence the warm feeling, had a godevil 23LT that the shaft housing was always warm after every run. hot to the touch means you have air in there and the bearings aren't getting grease or you have water, or its been sitting up and you have alot of moisture in there depriving the seals of grease. Other problem being you have a lower shaft seal that is out and water is making its way back up the shaft breaking down the grease and causeing the seals to run hotter than normal. Last but not least is a slight bend in the shaft will cause high friction and heat.

From what I can tell and based on your replies, everything appears to be in check. Thanks for everyone's expertise, hopefully it will keep me in the right direction to troubleshoot if something happens.