cutlass bearing????

[Jack2438]

After my 7 day trip I noticed a high pitch wine coming from the stern area of the boat. It kind of sounded like, hmmm, maybe like when you have half a glass of wine and you wet the rim and run your finger around the rim of the glass, it was that type of noise. Cutlass bearing, right? It only does it at about 1600 rpm and if I pick up or drop down the throttle it stops. I am not do for a haul out for 18 months or so. Can it be fixed in the water? I know, dumb question. Any guesses on how long it may last and what happens when it goes? It is in the very beginning stage of being noticeable. It could be something else, any guesses? thanks, Jack

 

[Capn Dave]

Not sure it's the bearing

Ahoy Jack, It could be the transmission. When the cutlass bearing goes there is a noticeable increase in vibration. Do you have a strut for the shaft and is the bearing in the strut? Or is the shaft coming staight out with no strut? Changing the bearing in the water could possibly be done, but I have never heard of it.They can be a bear to get out. The worst possible thaing that could happen is you could wear through and into a strut, screw up the transmission or motor, Waller out the shaft tube. lose the shaft and prop taking off the rudder in the process. Will this happen overnight I dont think so. Then again Murphy allways looked on the bright side.Fair WindsCap'n Dave

 

[Jack2438]

Capn Dave

Love the name of your town, sounds like a beautiful place. Transmission huh, hhmmm, sh*#!! Your correct about there being no vibration, while motoring it's as smooth as silk. As far as I can remember there is a strut that holds the shaft and cutlass bearing in place. My boat is a 1986 Catalina 27. It has the m-18 with a hurth transmission. I never had a problem with it. Thank you for the idea/guess and I will investigate further when it makes the noise again, Jack