loose external strut

[Brunson Russum]

I am working on serveral projects on our 1979 Catalina 27 including bottom paint, engine work, through hull inspections, etc. While inspecting the cutlass bearing, I noticed that the external strut is loose at the connection to the hull. A look inboard told me that it is not bolted through with a backing block, rather it is glassed into place. This is obviously a problem that needs to be addressed prior to launching. Any thoughts as to how this can be remedied. I assume the strut will need to be removed by cutting out the glassed in area in the engine compartment. I would like to install a backing block and through bolt the strut. Alignment of the prop shaft is a concern. Has anyone else run into this problem? Any thoughts as to how this might be repaired?Thanks,Brunson RussumDavidson, NC

 

[mike elmore]

yard did mine

I had the yard here (Crowleys) fix the loose prop strut on my C28 before last season. Crowleys is an expensive yard, and it cost me ~$600.According to them, the mounting screws are there...just glassed into the hull. They ground out the glass aroun d the screws, tightened it up, and refilled what came out. A year after the repair now, the strut is still solid. Mike ElmoreWindward HullC28 - Hull #7