cutlass bearing - a little play with pressure

[Pete D]

When my boat was on the slings getting launched (a rush job by my marina to get it out of the way...) the mechanic mentioned that the cutlass bearing had a little play in it. He said to address it next year,as he considered it to be a lower priority compared with some other work I have scheduled to get done.Is this a safety risk? Anyone have an experience with this type of issue?

 

[Scott]

my experience

They said the same to me at the same time last year. I put a couple hundred hours on the engine last summer without incident and am having it replaced pre-launch this spring.

 

[Steve Dion]

Probably fine.

Pete:The only real problem would be the scoring of your prop shaft. I would rely on the yards experience. If they say it should be okay, it probably will.A replacement shaft is probably $100/ft installed.

 

[Mike H]

Not a safety issue

Steve is right as usual. This is not a safety issue. A worn cutlass bearing can chew up the prop shaft, in which case the prop shaft will in all probability be ruined - especially so if the shaft is made out of bronze. If your yard guys say it can wait, chances are it can wait. And when you do replace the cutlass, might as well have the prop re-balanced, since it will have to come off anyway.Mike

 

[Kate]

Worn Cutless

Saying a worn cutless is probably fine is typical of incorrect info some people persist on giving. This can cause extreme damage to your transmission. Just ask the manufacturer!

 

[Don Bodemann]

Kate??

As a boat restorer for several years and a certified Master auto technician for over 25 years, I tend to agree with Steve (as usual). A little play is nothing to get excited about and this can be confirmed by speaking with any honest boat yard mechanic. Beware of "yard pirates" that have been known to play upon the paranoia of a naive boater ( like the Sears Auto Centers that got in trouble for selling car repairs that weren’t needed). So how much play is too much you ask? I’m thinking around .010”. Much more than that should be delt with before resplashing the boat for another season.

 

[David]

Pete

You have received interesting responses to your question. Every experienced marine surveyor I know always notes as a finding any sloppiness in cutless bearings. This doesn't mean that it will necessarily cause immediate damage, but it's better to be safe than sorry. A marine drive train relies on a very close alignment to operate properly and not damage other components as there are no universal or CV joints as in an auto. I'm sure a certified Master auto technician would recommend replacement of a sloppy universal or CV joint. <g>