Cutlass Bearing?

[Lyn]

How often should it be replaced?

 

[Steve Dion]

When they need it.

Lyn:We replaced our original cutlass bearing in about 2000, the boat was launched in 1987. I was not BAD, but it was time to replace it.

 

[Bob]

Check during abottom job

Every time you have your bottom painted, have the yard look at it (and explain). Grab the prop end of the shaft and try to "wiggle" it. There should be very little (if any) play in the bearing.

 

[David Foster]

Over 1/8th inch of play

and you should replace it. DavidLady Lillie

 

[Mike]

1/8 of play too much?

Color me hyper conservative but I would not wait until I had 1/8th inch of play before replaceing the cutlass bearing. I certainly did not have 1/8th play in mine and the surveyor as well as the marina yard people agreed that my bearing was shot. I would say there was about 1/16th of side-to-side play on my old bearing. On the new bearing, there was no play at all that I could see.

 

[Paul Akers]

No play is correct.

If there's any play then get the job done. Any play will cause vibration.