Cutlass Bearing

[Michael Ryan]

I recently had the cutlass bearing on my '86 Hunter 34, for some reason slip forward and come right out of the strut. Fortunately I noticed the unusual rattling sound as I was leaving the marina.I dived on it later and was able to press it back into place without too much drama, but that must make for a loose fit. I noticed that one of the set screws was intact but had worn away it's threads in the strut and the other one was loose. I was able to tighten it down after resetting the bearing. I would recommend every Hunter owner check these next time you are out of the water (or under the boat). A friend who owns a 37', had the same happen to him. He believes that on installation, that they failed to make an indent in the bearing sleeve for the set screws to get a bite onto. I am planning on leaving it with the one set screw until I haul it in the spring but as an added safety feature will slide one of the shaft annodes down close by the strut so if it does happen again it won't come out as far.Any others have the same problem?

 

[Anthony Bavuso]

Shaft anodes can be too close to bearing...

I am not expert but I remember reading somewhere that it was important to insure enough distance between the cutlass bearing and the shaft anodes. I am not sure but I think it was something like at least six inches. The reason was that if the zinc is too close to the bearing then it will block the water flow through the bearing. The water is used by the bearing as a lubricant and coolant. I guess if you put the anode too close then the bearing would not get enough water and would melt down.

 

[Michael Ryan]

Anodes

Yes I would agree with you, I considered that and figured I just wanted it close enough to prevent the whole bearing coming out without being too close to restrict water flow. As of yesterday the one setscrew didn't hold anyway. I took it out for a sea trial and while I have yet to dive and confirm it I believe the bearing has slipped out again. Of course I forgot to place an indent for the one set screw so I plan to retap for a second setcrew and try and get it right, this time. Other than that it is haulout time!