34/35 Prop Shaft Strut?

[eherlihy]

Has anyone with an O'day 34/35 ever replaced their propeller shaft strut? If so; where did you get it, and what details about the strut can you share?

I recently had a "professional" bottom job, and the yard manager mentioned that the strut on my boat looked "pink" to him.

 

[twodzusfittings]

"Pink"? Is this a term used when the metal used to make the strut is failing and due to the elements it's in, is changing the molecular structure? I'm seriously interested, ergo this question.

 

[jibes138]

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin with some other elements added in depending on the properties desired. One of these elements is zinc. If through electrolysis the zinc is removed from bronze it takes on a pinkish color. This can happen to props, struts, through hulls, etc. If the zinc on your shaft is depleted or missing (or has a bad electrical connection to the shaft) that protects your other metals from electrolysis by "sacrificing" itself the zinc in the bronze becomes the next most noble metal to be sacrificed in the process.

 

[Allan12210]

Mine started to get a little "pinkish" after a few years. I drilled a hole through the strut and looked at the drill shavings. I was satisfied they still had the bronze color in the interior of the casting. I installed a flat pancake zinc on the strut and the pink color never got any worse. I finally replaced my strut after 34 years when the Cutless bearing spun internally and enlarged the bore. Here is a photo of the new one from last September. The zinc usually lasts for 2 years.

 

[twodzusfittings]

@ Allan12210
Very nice and makes perfect sense.

 

[eherlihy]

Update: Rudy can source the strut for an O'day 35. There is no telling how much longer Rudy and Debbie will be in business, so I have one on order.

 

[sail sfbay]

You might these threads on the same subject helpful: When brass turns pink. - Fix It Anarchy - Sailing Anarchy Forums and Pink Strut Blues - Ideas For Replacement | Sailboat Owners Forums

 

[eherlihy]

I called Rudy last week. He told me that he still needs to follow up with the foundry where the new strut is being cast. It's a good thing that I am not in a hurry.

 

[eherlihy]

Called Rudy again this morning. He says that "it should be ready this week."

 

[eherlihy]

I called and spoke with Rudy this morning. It's not in yet...

 

[eherlihy]

 

[eherlihy]

Rudy called me this morning. The new strut is being machined (presumably the bore for the cutlass bearing) right now, and should be ready this week!

 

[eherlihy]

I picked up the new strut TODAY!!!
I would post more pictures (profiles) with the framing square in the background, but "the files are too large for the server to process."

 

[eherlihy]

One pic

 

[eherlihy]

Another pic

 

[dmax]

A thing of beauty! Good thing you weren't in a hurry

 

[eherlihy]

Specs in inches:

A: 1.375
B: 25º
C: 7.5
D: 9
E: 3.5
F: 8.5 - note that this is beveled by 0.5" on either end. The lower foot (8.5) is wider than the top (7.5). The palm looks like this \____/
G: 3.875
H: 1.5

I will state again that I am only trying to assist anyone following in my wake.

DISCLAIMER: ALL of these specs were measured by me, with uncalibrated tools and my old-out-of-spec eyes, from the new strut that I have received. Also, I may have made errors. There is the possibility that the strut that I received may not be the correct design. Your mileage may vary.. so use these specs for YOUR boat at YOUR peril.

 

[eherlihy]

A thing of beauty! Good thing you weren't in a hurry

This thing is crazy beefy! It weighs almost 15 pounds!

 

[dmax]

Now you'll have to tell us how the install goes....

 

[jssailem]

I did not see on the drawings the alignment holes for the bolts to install the strut on your boat. Do you have to drill the new strut bolt holes?