When faced with the decision about the corroded shaft, I asked my sailing buddy
@LeslieTroyer what he thought. I maybe paraphrasing “Rip it out, John.“ It’s 45plus years old.
Being ever concerned about doing more damage than needed, I thought we should try to cut the shaft. Les volunteered a saws all but I grabbed it from his hands. I remembered the gleam in his smile when we were discussing cutting the bulkhead to remove the engine.
With the prop and zinc removed, the shaft slipped forward giving us access to slice away.
After attempting to cut the shaft and destroying a couple of metal cutting blades on the saws all we had barely made a dent In the shaft. Change of plans. We attacked the Flange Coupler. The bronze started to give up against our assault, but it too was enjoying devouring the teeth on the blades.
Enough of this. Lets use the grinder and a cutting wheel.
After I had arranged a board to lessen the sparks from starting a bilge fire, and managed to cut through about of third of the shaft, Les wanted a turn.
Here he is rotating the shaft to get some fresh meat to attack
And then the sparks really begin to fly.
In short order we had sliced the shaft into two pieces. This permitted removal of the shaft sliding it out and past the rudder. The Shaft log hose and stuffing box were easy to remove. My efforts were aided by the use of a hose puller.
A great tool to loosen the vice like grip of a hose on the shaft log after being secured by hose clamps for who knows how many years. Should be in every boaters tool box.
The Prop Shop in Mukilteo WA is a great resource. Looking forward to getting my new shaft and coupling back fit and faced by next week.
Still need to pull the cutlass bearing. Not yet sure on how that will go. Already know that the locking Allen screw is toast. It will require attempts with an extractor, or drill and tap. Les suggested, Just cut it John.
On a good note, the sanding of the old bottom paint is finished. Next up are the blister repairs, some thickened epoxy, sanding fair, a coat of barrier coat, then the bottom paint.
Once the shaft is reinstalled, will be installing the engine. I saw the engine on Saturday. About 80% complete. Once assembly is complete, I hope next week we will be able to fire it up in the shop. Then the we will lower it into place and install the new wet exhaust system. The exhaust shop had welded up a prototype. Not sure I am convinced it is exactly what is needed. The concept is good, but I want to be sure water cannot get back into the exhaust Manifold. More on that next time.
