C27 1980 Cutlass Bearing Set Screw or Brass Plug?

[Ajay73]

I have a 1980, C27 and want to replace my cutlass bearing. On most boats I see in the boatyard you can clearly see to small set screws holding the bearing in place. On my C27 I see no such set screws. However, I do see on the starboard side of the strut what looks to be a round brass plug. I can see the outline of the edges of the plug and on one side of the plug I can feel an edge of the plug with my fingernail. The question is how do I get this "plug" out? Drill it?

Appreciate help from C27 owners or anyone knowledgable.

 

[Ajay73]

OK, I just read something that said the C27 is only a press fit, no set screw(s). Can anyone confirm this. Thanks.

 

[Ajay73]

Confirmed with Catalina Yachts that the C27 for 1980 was a press fit. Later years' C27's (not sure what years) used a set screw.

 

[Alameda Sailor]

Good morning Ajay! Yes, it is indeed a press fit. I just had the cutlass bearing replaced on my 1986 Catalina 27. While I didn't watch the yard replace the bearing, I know they used a tool that fits in the triangular area between the prop shaft, strut and hull which allowed for a relatively quick job. Apparently, had the tool been unable to fit into that gap, it would have turned into a 6 hour job which would have included pulling the prop shaft. Do some research and find one of those tools!!!!

 

[Ajay73]

Alameda, right now the marina that is supposed to do the work has a tool and does not need to remove the shaft. But the problem is that they seem to be dragging their feet on getting the work done (wow, big surprise). I have a design for one of these tools and they are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct. If they string me along much longer I will make my own tool and do the work myself. Thing is that once I change it or get it changed I will probably never need to change it again on my watch so maybe I'll just wait for the marina to finally get to work.