We picked up a 1988 Bene 430 and the prop shaft decoupled from the transmission and damaged the shaft log on the inside of the boat where the seal is. Picture attached. I am told this is not an easy repair since the shaft log is embedded in the fiberglass of the hull and will need to be cut out and replaced with a fiberglass (G10?) log which most modern boats have. Has anyone heard of this type of repair? I am thinking of either cutting/drilling out the entire brass log or just cutting out the 6-8 inches from inside the boat and just glassing in a FG section that butts up against the existing brass one and extending into the seal area. Thoughts, tips, tricks?
Brass Shaft Log repair
- Thread starter vacagreens
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,787
Welcome to the SBO forum.
You are on pretty big water (the SF Bay with access to the Pacific). You are dealing with a critical area of the boat that, if not repaired properly, can sink the boat.
I would not look for shortcuts. I would consult with a knowledgeable marine repair shop and get the "shaft log" inspected. Generally, these are fiberglass tubes with a bronze insert cutlass bearing, which keeps the prop shaft in place and rotating smoothly. Brass is not a good metal to use here, as corrosion is an issue in this boat area. See the pink area of the shaft log. It suggests that the zinc in the metal (if that is metal) has been subjected to galvanic corrosion. The picture can not provide the information needed to clarify the problem and develop a resolution plan.
In my opinion, with your ASA training and 3 years of sailing, this project needs professional experience to be resolved safely.
You are on pretty big water (the SF Bay with access to the Pacific). You are dealing with a critical area of the boat that, if not repaired properly, can sink the boat.
I would not look for shortcuts. I would consult with a knowledgeable marine repair shop and get the "shaft log" inspected. Generally, these are fiberglass tubes with a bronze insert cutlass bearing, which keeps the prop shaft in place and rotating smoothly. Brass is not a good metal to use here, as corrosion is an issue in this boat area. See the pink area of the shaft log. It suggests that the zinc in the metal (if that is metal) has been subjected to galvanic corrosion. The picture can not provide the information needed to clarify the problem and develop a resolution plan.
In my opinion, with your ASA training and 3 years of sailing, this project needs professional experience to be resolved safely.
I'm rarely reluctant to give an opinion, but this is one of those times. There is just no way to give a complete answer without seeing it in person. (And, I'm probably underqualified to offer advice on this anyway.)
I can say, with some certainty, that when you were told this is not an easy repair, that was correct.
I also don't like to tell people not to DIY. But, I think John is right here. It sounds like you are not averse to doing the work yourself. But, I would get a trusted professional to at least advise you.
I can say, with some certainty, that when you were told this is not an easy repair, that was correct.
I also don't like to tell people not to DIY. But, I think John is right here. It sounds like you are not averse to doing the work yourself. But, I would get a trusted professional to at least advise you.
