would rather have a root canal
I needed to do some work on my rudder 2 years ago (to my former boat, a h27). I figured, since I'm dropping the rudder, I might as well replace the cutlass bearing (there was some "play" in the movement of the shaft). Anyway, I had a 1" shaft, and, had to literally, hacksaw the old bearing out of the strut...no problem. Sprayed the inside of the strut with silicone, and began to install the new bearing. Used metal blocks and a big C-clamp to "help" the bearing into place. Everything was going fine until the bearing was about .75% the way in (3 quarters). Then, the bearing began to rupture due to the pressure. I got a bit flustered, and, when I stepped back to think about it, I cracked my head on the side of the hull. Not being a very happy camper (out of frustration), I (uncharacteristically) puched my beloved boat, and, broke my friggin' hand. She got the best of me that day. I ended up just hacksawing the ruptured end of the bearing. Re-installed the shaft, and, everything ran fine for the season. I will, however, never replace another cutlass bearing myself. All I can say is...GOOD LUCK!