Cutless bearing & Zink clearance

[Tom Boles]

Off the wall question-Is there any "requirement" for a specific clearance between a zink placed on a prop shaft and the cutless bearing in the strut?The only thing I have found is from the line cutter people (other side of the strut) who are saying 1/4" between the end of the strut/cutless bearing and their cutting blade to allow for water flow.I am curious because from a vibration point of view, the closer you can put the zink to the strut, the better off you are (I think).Any comments?

 

[David]

Cutlass clearance

General rule is that the zinc should be the same distance as the shaft diameter forward of the cutlass for water flow.

 

[Kevin]

one to one distance

Hello Tom,I have often heard to use shaft diameter as your distance forward aswell. This will work fine for most sailboats. However, faster the vessel the greater the distance should be, powerboats.Kevin.