disconnected propeller shaft C-27

[boosiml]

I have owned a 1989 Catalina 27 since 2001 and have had few significant problems until last week. After a morning of sailing I put the engine in reverse at low RPM to stop in my slip and noticed the the transmissions would not engage in forward or reverse. I had not noticed any unusual noises during our afternoon on the lake. Upon inspection I discovered that the propeller shaft was separated from the shaft coupling on the transmission. The forward end of the shaft is about 0.5 inches from the coupling. The propeller will turn with moderate pressure. The shaft appears to be straight. I can not see the key and assume it is in the coupling. How do I reconnect the coupling to the shaft? Do I need to drive the shaft forward? Can this be repaired with the boat in the water? This boat has been in fresh water since 1989. Have any of you had this problem? Thanks. Tim

 

[alt2410]

disconnected prop shaft

I had the same problem with my 1987 catalina 27 a few years ago. To be repaired the boat had to be hauled out for a mechanic to replace the coupling and put the shaft back together. The annode also had to be replaced because it was dammaged from rubbing on the strut after the sfaft detached from the coupling.