Mystery beneath my prop strut

Nov 21, 2019
6
O'Day 25 Trailered
Hi,
I am restoring my O'Day 25 trying to get her back in to sailing shape. I had to remove the prop strut and upon doing so I found some writing beneath it. I am hoping maybe someone here can tell me what it might be and if it is something I need to know before replacing the strut. To that end, where is the best place to go to get a replacement strut?

thank you

20220628_191407.jpg
 

dmax

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Jul 29, 2018
1,123
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
No idea what the writing is, I can't see it being useful when replacing the strut. You can start your inquiry for a replacement here: D & R Marine
You may be best off looking for a used one from a salvage yard.
 
Nov 21, 2019
6
O'Day 25 Trailered
Thanks for checking it out. I didn't think it really meant anything, just thought it was an interesting find. As it turns out, the strut is just fine. I just need to get a bearing for it! Thanks again!
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,489
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
People write all kinds of secret messages on projects. In some remodeling projects I've written notes to future remodelers. @TomY found a note hidden in his boat. This not looks like a reference to a pattern for the strut.
 
Nov 21, 2019
6
O'Day 25 Trailered
Thats what I thought. It kinda looks like it might say 'O'Day' at the top
 

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
4,891
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Is that silicone being used as bedding material?
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,475
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I thought it was part of a treasure map. :tongue:
Glad it's okay. Wise to change the bearing.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,486
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
If you want to be able to remove and replace the strut in the future then: No to 3m's 5200 - more an adhesive/sealant and Cabosil which is a silica additive to epoxy or polyester/vinyl-ester resins.

Something like Total Boat Seal can work. TotalBoat Seal is an elastomeric (synthetic rubber) adhesive sealant. TotalBoat Seal is not a silicone, polysulfide, polyether, or polyurethane product.

You will hold the strut in place with the bolts, and seal the water out with the caulk/sealant.

Also in the mix is 3M's 4000UV or 4200. You can find a list of performance based results done by Practical Sailor magazine.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,425
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
How are you going to replicate the position of the strut?
I once pooched a strut re bedding because I didn't count the washers for each bolt and get the same ones back in place. In fairness the whole thing came down before I was ready. So getting it back in place was a challenge. A dry fit is practically mandatory. The boat yard said they bring in a service to use a laser to align the strut. I never saw anyone at the yard doing that so I wasn't sure they weren't having a little fun with me.
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,489
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
How are you going to replicate the position of the strut?
I once pooched a strut re bedding because I didn't count the washers for each bolt and get the same ones back in place. In fairness the whole thing came down before I was ready. So getting it back in place was a challenge. A dry fit is practically mandatory. The boat yard said they bring in a service to use a laser to align the strut. I never saw anyone at the yard doing that so I wasn't sure they weren't having a little fun with me.
When I replaced a strut I used the prop shaft as a guide. With the shaft attached to the transmission, the struts position was adjusted so that the shaft was in the middle of the shaft log.
 
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Likes: Timm R Oday25
Jan 22, 2008
1,660
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
Scrape it off and use a more appropriate sealant, not 5200.
I used Sika Flex 292 a couple of times when I had to remove my strut. The first time it was crooked. The second time when the Cutless bearing spun and enlarged the bore. I only use the sealant on the bolts and just around the perimeter of the strut to fair it to the hull. I did not want to bond the strut to the hull. That can make it nearly impossible to remove at a later date. And it provides for a firm registration point for alignment. A layer of sealant between the hull and strut may allow it to flex and move. This required several test fits first with the strut covered in saran wrap and using a bit of thickened epoxy for a proper alignment.
 

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dmax

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Jul 29, 2018
1,123
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
"I used Sika Flex 292 a couple of times when I had to remove my strut."
Hi Allan, I've used Sikaflex 291 as an underwater sealant, it is similar to 3M 4200 in that the pieces can be separated later without too much difficulty. My understanding is 292 is twice as strong and more like 3M 5200 - how difficult was it to remove the strut after using 292?
 
Nov 21, 2019
6
O'Day 25 Trailered
Thank you all for your insight. It helps A LOT! I am currently in the process of removing the cutlass bearing from the strut. It looks like it has never been changed. I have tried the home made press, cutting and prying it out, etc. All without much luck. I live in central Missouri, so there arent many boat shops around, especially ones that are trustworthy. I will keep chipping away at it and keep updating this post. thank you all!
 
Jan 22, 2008
1,660
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
"I used Sika Flex 292 a couple of times when I had to remove my strut."
Hi Allan, I've used Sikaflex 291 as an underwater sealant, it is similar to 3M 4200 in that the pieces can be separated later without too much difficulty. My understanding is 292 is twice as strong and more like 3M 5200 - how difficult was it to remove the strut after using 292?
It was not difficult at all. As I mentioned, I only use it around the bolts to keep the water from going into the boat. After they are tightened and the strut is flush against the hull, I use a little more around the edge of the strut in the small gap just to make a smooth transition from fiberglass to bronze. So the strut is not bonded to the hull with sealant.