Hunter Skeg Screws

[Ray]

I have a 1980 27'Hunter. The side of the skeg (support in front of prop) for the prop shaft has 2 small threaded holes drilled in the side of it. It looks like there should be some set screws to hold the shaft collar (bearing). The holes are about 1/8-1/4 "in Diam. The previous owner said they were not in it and they used it all summer. The shaft has no excess play in any directions. Anyone know if there should be screws in there. It is a 3 blade prop on a Yanmar 2GM

 

[Kenny Logsdon]

The holes should have screws

Ray, The skeg you are speaking of is really called a strut and the bearing inside of it is your cutless bearing. There should be two set screws that prevent the cutless bearing from spinning or working its way out and I would suggest you replace them. Although the cutless bearing is usually a tight fit you want to prevent the chance that it will move. If the bearing backed out or spun inside the strut you could do expensive damage to the strut or shaft. I am pretty sure the screws should be stainless, (I believe they are on my H28.5)and probably 1/4-20 thread. Don't quote me on the size and material. Maybe other readers will know and comment.Kenny s/v "St. Somewhere"

 

[Steve Cronin]

Your lack of screws

In the UK the "Strut" is called a "P" bracket.As Kenny says it is to hold the cutless bearing. The material for P brackets is usually Bronze as is the shell of the cutless bearing. The holes should have grub screws in them which have allen key (wrench - it is difficult to remember to speak American!)hexagonal female heads. |These should take about a 3/32 hex head wrench. It could be that the grubscrews are still there but the hex holes are disguised by a build-up of bottom paint. Worth investigating.When you re-fit the screws or replace them if they are missing, make sure that you drill a dimple into the bearing shell to accommodate the pointed end of each grubscrew. Take care not to damage the thread on the P bracket holes though - remember bronze is a very soft metal. If you decide to withdraw the bearing, smear the outside of the cutless bearing shell with water resistant grease to facilitate easier replacement in the future.Steve Cronin