I would like to share my troubles that I have encountered while I was on this. First after 17 years of my shaft began attached to the trans shaft coupler I could not separate them. So after one day trying with my hammer I had to get the help with a very hot torch, so after heating the coupler it began to get loose. Then I try to slide backwards the shaft but it will hit the rudder. So I had to take down the rudder. This is held in place with 4 Allen screws and a big stainless steel pin. And this also was very hard to remove, after the 4 bolts I still could not remove the pin, so I had to drill it and cut it in the middle of the rudder shaft. If you lower the rudder you can swing to one side so the shaft could be removed. The cutlass bearings has two Allen screws they will not go all the way out but they get loose a bit. The cutlass bearings will slide to the front very easily. Hard but not impossible DIY. Have a good turner to make the new shaft coupler and the tiller pin (must be 316 alloy). Good luck to all.
H 41 CUTLASS BEARING REMOVAL and SHAFT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
- Thread starter Valerio
- Start date
Yes, getting the coupling off the shaft is difficult. Many people will cut the shaft in half and remove it in pieces.
I tried to save my shaft and used a homemade tool to press the coupling off the shaft. I pulled the shaft to inspect some cracks I found.
But with the proper tools, you can remove the cutlass bearing without removing the shaft…which also means not having to drop the rudder…
Boat designs that have the cutlass in the hull (as opposed to a strut) will be different. But I am assuming your Hunter uses a strut.
Glad you got the job done,
Greg