unusual cutlass bearing replacement method (78" catalina 27)

[Joel H.]

I'm going to need to do my cutlass bearing over the winter.
I was talking to a tech from the local boatyard and he suggested an alternative method.
Long story short - Because I need to do some re-fairing around the bearing strut anyway it was suggested I just chip out the old fairing compound, remove the prop, and the strut bolts, and slide the strut off the shaft and replace the bearing on the bench.
So, has anybody here done it this way, or has anybody dealt with removing a strut on a C27 for any reason?
Thanks in advance,
Joel H.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Re: unusual cutlass bearing replacement method (78" catalina

Didn't do it on a C27 but on my 34 so the short answer is Yes but the caveat is that if you remove the strut, be aware that you are going to need to make absolutely sure of its alignment when re-installing.

 

[woodster]

Re: unusual cutlass bearing replacement method (78" catalina

some times the what sounds like a good idea is not he best way to go ...if the strut is in sound shape and the fairing is in good repair i would not do that just remove the prop and change out the bearing and be done with it....the bearing in a new strut was probably install on the bench and shipped out to the end user.....if you look in mainesails musings you will find info on changing a cutlass bearing ....as stated above you have to go through a realignment process when removing the strut to replace it ....and that can be a lot of work...on the other hand if you need to realign the drive train then it might be OK .....

regards

woody

 

[Joel H.]

Didn't do it on a C27 but on my 34 so the short answer is Yes but the caveat is that if you remove the strut, be aware that you are going to need to make absolutely sure of its alignment when re-installing.

Thanks for the post.
What was it like chipping out the fairing compound around your strut on the 34? Did the strut fasteners come out easly?

I know I could do it the standard way, but it seems so "involved". I've done a lot of fiberglass work, and also much fairing of keels, so it seems like it could be a simple way to go!
Anyway, any discriptions of removing a strut on a Catalina of my vintage would be appreciated.
Thx

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Fairing coumpound was fairly easy to chip off and smooth grind. On my 34 only 2 strut fasteners and they were easy to remove but you need someone under the boat holding the machine screw head with a screwdriver and someone inside to undo the nuts. Your strut might have 4 fasteners. Because of properly aligned re-installation, then fairing, removing the strut to replace the cutlass bearing makes it a much more complicated job than using a simple puller which you can either buy or ask your local machine shop to make for you. See attached pdf.

 

[jrowan]

Re: unusual cutlass bearing replacement method (78" catalina

I second Claude on just using the conventional cutless bearing puller tool which are readily available, & all legitimate sailboat yards must have to do yard work. Why create more work for yourself then necessary? As boat owners & caretakers, I always try to remember the old addage: "Do no harm." The risk of putting that strut arm back in place & misaligning the prop shaft is not worth the risk. It the prop shaft is even 1 mm. out of alignment it causes vibration & friction against the transmission that will cause a leak, overheat the stuffing box, & eventually cause serious trans. damage. Borrow or rent the puller & do it right.

 

[Joel H.]

Fairing coumpound was fairly easy to chip off and smooth grind. On my 34 only 2 strut fasteners and they were easy to remove but you need someone under the boat holding the machine screw head with a screwdriver and someone inside to undo the nuts. Your strut might have 4 fasteners. Because of properly aligned re-installation, then fairing, removing the strut to replace the cutlass bearing makes it a much more complicated job than using a simple puller which you can either buy or ask your local machine shop to make for you. See attached pdf.

I second Claude on just using the conventional cutless bearing puller tool which are readily available, & all legitimate sailboat yards must have to do yard work. Why create more work for yourself then necessary? As boat owners & caretakers, I always try to remember the old addage: "Do no harm." The risk of putting that strut arm back in place & misaligning the prop shaft is not worth the risk. It the prop shaft is even 1 mm. out of alignment it causes vibration & friction against the transmission that will cause a leak, overheat the stuffing box, & eventually cause serious trans. damage. Borrow or rent the puller & do it right.

One thing is, I don't think there is enough room on a C27 to accomidate the use of a puller. The "standard way" seems to be pulling the rudder, separating the coupling, pulling the shaft, and then going to work on the bearing. That's what seems involved to me. Especialy when they say you might need to get a new coupling for proper fit during reassembly.
Anyway, I have all winter to decide.
I appreciate all the input so far, and look foreword to more before I start any work.
Thx,
Joel

 

[philwsailz]

I was able to replace my bearing on my C27 without pulling the rudder. I used the Strut-Pro tool.

With lubrication from some Ivory soap it was easy

 

[Joel H.]

Update

Well, she hit the hard last fri.
Looks like my original question is moot, because it seems the cutlass bearing on this boat just doesn't wear.
I got the boat 3 seasons ago and noticed a little slop, say 3/32-1/8" of play.
So, prioritizing as I was, I put it off. But I figured by now, (lots of use this and last season!), it would be ready. But inspecting it the other day, I find it in the same condition.
So I guess I'll just go with it and check it again next fall.
Cheers,
Joel H.