Cutless Bearing Set Screws

duck21

duck21

.
Jul 17, 2020
173
Hunter 376 0 Washburn, WI on Lake Superior
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
 
D

dlochner

.
Jan 11, 2014
12,422
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
You can try McMaster-Carr for bronze set screws, they seem to have just about every fastener known to man.

If you do use SS, use Tef-Gel (Amazon Link) on the screws to prevent corrosion.
 
duck21

duck21

.
Jul 17, 2020
173
Hunter 376 0 Washburn, WI on Lake Superior
Oo, indeed -- McMaster-Carr has a ton of bronze/brass options. Thanks for the recommendation!



dlochner said:
You can try McMaster-Carr for bronze set screws, they seem to have just about every fastener known to man.

If you do use SS, use Tef-Gel (Amazon Link) on the screws to prevent corrosion.
Click to expand
 
LakeOntario270

LakeOntario270

.
Jan 4, 2013
282
Catalina 270 Rochester, NY
I don't remember what my set screws were made of. They were 1/4" x 20 that I bought at the marina. When installing them I covered them with Blue thread locker.
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

.
Jul 7, 2004
8,472
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
They screw into the prop strut and touch the bearing. I'd be more concerned about the strut/screw compatibility than the bearing. I'd go with stainless.
 
Tally Ho

Tally Ho

.
Jan 7, 2011
5,319
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Justin_NSA said:
They screw into the prop strut and touch the bearing. I'd be more concerned about the strut/screw compatibility than the bearing. I'd go with stainless.
Click to expand
But the strut isn’t stainless.

I would use bronze if you can get them. Otherwise, as @LakeOntario270 said, coat them well with TefGel, Lanocote or maybe thread lock to keep them from becoming 1 with the strut.

Greg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom