423 Shaft removal

[sailmariner]

Hello:
I looking for some information regarding removal of the shaft on a 2003 Beneteau 423. Does the rudder have to be dropped?
Thanks
Eric

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

No, there's no need to drop the rudder. I know this from a friend who removed the shaft to change the cutlass bearing of his Beneteau 423. Now, to remove is the usual process of removing the coupling connecting the gear box with the shaft. Remove the 4 bolts to disconnect from gear box then there must be a central bolt at the shaft that you need to remove and then a locking pin (not sure how you call it in English; you know like the one holding the propeller on the other side of the shaft).

 

[BrianRobin]

Hi, Curious, are you changing the cutless bearing?

 

[sailmariner]

Philip, thank you for the information, very much appreciated.

Yes, in the fall I will be replacing the shaft bearing in the stern tube.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Philip, thank you for the information, very much appreciated.

Yes, in the fall I will be replacing the shaft bearing in the stern tube.

You don't necessarily need to remove the shaft for replacing the cutlass bearing. Remove the two little screws holding it in place and try to push it carefully and slowly using a small screwdriver through the two small holes and also pulling it from the bearing "hat" (if still in place; usually it gets destroyed if you catch a line).