Stern Tube Rotated 180 Degrees After Fishing Line Incident (Beneteau 393)

[SVBLU]

Looking for advice on a serious issue with my 2002 Beneteau 393 Oceanis after a run-in with some industrial fishing line. I can't find a single person who has had this issue. So that's ... not great.

Here’s what happened:

• Fishing line got wrapped around the prop/shaft. The engine cut out, and the transmission was stuck in forward.
• I cleared the line, fixed the transmission, and reassembled everything while still in the water.
• Tested the engine—everything seemed fine until I put it in forward. That’s when I realized something was seriously wrong.
• It looks like more fishing line made its way into the cutlass bearing and up into the stern tube.
• Now, the entire stern tube has rotated, breaking off the cooling water hose for the dripless shaft seal.
• I’m taking on water slowly due to the broken hose.
• Hauling out next week to assess and repair.

My Plan:

1. Remove the shaft
2. Replace the cutlass bearing
3. Clear out any debris inside the stern tube
4. Figure out how to realign and secure the stern tube.

Has anyone encountered a rotated stern tube before? Wondering if I need to remove the entire tube to reseal it and bond it with the cavity? I’d appreciate any insights, links, photos, or videos on securing or repairing it properly.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jssailem]

Wondering if I need to remove the entire tube to reseal it and bond it with the cavity?

It will depend on what you discover when you get it out of the water. I’m going to guess yes.

You need to discover what has happened and then correct it.

Here is a basic diagram of the parts. The fiberglass tube is known as a “shaft log”. Adhesive or fiberglass is used to secure it in place in the hull at the prescribed angle. The shaft runs through the middle of the shaft log.

 

[BigEasy]

Has anyone encountered a rotated stern tube before?

Wow! First time seeing that. I am amazed that you aren’t having a major leak at interface of tube where it separated (left side of photo). Sounds like your plan is a good one. Haul out, remove prop & check for damage, have machine shop check trueness / runout of shaft, remove & replace cutlass bearing, remove shaft log & inspect (May have to order a new one from Beneteau). Apparently, the FRP shaft log accommodates a SS shaft tube fitting that protrudes from the external skeg on the hull bottom, forward of the rudder. The hard rubber cutlass bearing fits into the SS fitting & is retained by two machine screws. Remove & check stern tube cooling water nipple & re-bed. Depending on running hours, may want to replace Volvo rubber shaft seal. Volvo recommends replacement every 5 years; I recently replaced mine after 16 years. If you need a new shaft, be sure that you have machine shop fit & face your shaft transmission coupling to the new shaft..I believe that Beneteau used a proprietary type of two part epoxy adhesive to attach the stern tube components. I would check with a dealer or Ward Richardson in South Carolina for referral to a factory rep who could advise you on the procedure for such a repair. Wondering if insurance would cover repair costs (depending on your insurance deductible).Would appreciate if you would post the final repair procedure & outcome. Good luck & welcome to the forum.

 

[BigEasy]

It will depend on what you discover when you get it out of the water. I’m going to guess yes.Here is a basic diagram of the parts.

John,
Beneteau uses a unique shaft log, stern tube, cutlass bearing, & shaft seal that is quite different as compared to the Catalina diagram. Will check in my files to see if I can find the diagram.

 

[jssailem]

Thanks.
A search for a Beneteau diagram did not turn up anything.
The one posted was to help with a basic overview.

I liked your point-by-point description. I just went through all of this last year on my boat. It was a lot simpler on my boat. Your Volvo shaft seal lasted 16 years... WOW. What was the condition of the rubber when you removed it?