Hi all,
Happy winter! It's 9F up here in Northern WI, but I'm already planning out the boating season...
I started the project of replacing our cutless (or cutlass, but I'm going with the less-er spelling today) bearing after winter haul out (we have a 1996 Hunter 376). The bearing had never been replaced and is pretty frozen in. As I attempted to remove the bronze set screws they stripped, so I ended up having to drill them out. I'll re-tap and put in new screws when I install the new bearing. However, I first need to source new screws...
My question: is there any harm in using stainless set screws vs. replacing with the original bronze? I know stainless can have issues when submerged, but we're in fresh water, so I think there is a lesser impact. That said, I also am not sure whether there is any potential for electrolysis/interaction for a stainless screw in the bronze prop strut.
IF bronze is preferred -- does anyone have a recommended source for a good quality unit? The few amazon options feel sketchy, a quick google search does not seem to come up with a lot of options.
Of course, i also know not all boats even have set screws, so maybe I'm safe just skipping them and not worrying about it...
Looking forward to thoughts and opinions.
Thanks,
Doug
Happy winter! It's 9F up here in Northern WI, but I'm already planning out the boating season...
I started the project of replacing our cutless (or cutlass, but I'm going with the less-er spelling today) bearing after winter haul out (we have a 1996 Hunter 376). The bearing had never been replaced and is pretty frozen in. As I attempted to remove the bronze set screws they stripped, so I ended up having to drill them out. I'll re-tap and put in new screws when I install the new bearing. However, I first need to source new screws...
My question: is there any harm in using stainless set screws vs. replacing with the original bronze? I know stainless can have issues when submerged, but we're in fresh water, so I think there is a lesser impact. That said, I also am not sure whether there is any potential for electrolysis/interaction for a stainless screw in the bronze prop strut.
IF bronze is preferred -- does anyone have a recommended source for a good quality unit? The few amazon options feel sketchy, a quick google search does not seem to come up with a lot of options.
Of course, i also know not all boats even have set screws, so maybe I'm safe just skipping them and not worrying about it...
Looking forward to thoughts and opinions.
Thanks,
Doug