3 Blade Prop Swap?

[dlochner]

If the prop shaft is bronze check carefully for wear at the stuffing box and the cutless bearing. Bronze is pretty soft and will wear in these areas. If it is bronze, it may be necessary to cut the shaft to remove it. Scrape some of the crud off the shaft and you will be able to tell whether it is bronze or SS.

Another option is simply replacing the shaft with SS.

While the shaft is out, consider replacing the coupling with a split coupling, much easier to install and remove. Also change the cutletss bearing. It is probably worn and is much easier to replace with the shaft out.

To remove the shaft it may be necessary to drop the rudder. That would be a good time to carefully inspect all the steering gear and replace any worn cables.

I've used Deep Blue Yacht Supply for a new shaft and bearings. Fair prices and good service.

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[dmax]

2. Our boat is on Lake Champlain VT, anyone know of a NE shop that I can work with to straighten then shaft?
Thanks for you insights!
Don

I have used Rose's Marine on the recommendation of MaineSail and they were excellent: Rose's Marine Supplies, Marine Exhaust, Pumps, Hatches, Marine steering systems, Gloucester, Massachusetts, Boston

 

[jviss]

1. Not likely. Steel alloy like Aquamet would be my guess. Certainly that is what you would be looking for to replace the shaft.

My 1984 Catalina 36 had a bronze prop shaft.

2. Bent shaft means you get a brand new straight shaft to replace it.

I don't agree with this, but it will be interesting to see what others say, and what the resolution is. With the proper tools and expertise prop shafts can be straightened to just as good as new, and won't require cutting and turning a taper and threads, etc.

 

[Ward H]

. Is the original prop shaft material Bronze?

My 93 C30 is bronze and I’m pretty sure that’s what Catalina Yachts used.
Try calling them at (727) 544-6681. They probably know.
Of course it’s been 47 years since they last saw the boat. It could have been changed since then so no body can tell you for certain without seeing it.