Pearson 32 cutlass bearing strut

[Mike]

I am looking at a 1981 Pearson 32 to purchase. I have noticed that the cutlass bearing strut (Not sure what this is called) is bent slightly to port. This lines the center of the prop up about 1 to 2 inches to port of the rudder. Is this normal or has there been some damage?I would apreciate any ideas.ThanksMike

 

[Sandy Stone]

On my 32

The motor is at a slight angle to the centerline, I believe to allow removing the shaft without dropping the rudder. I can't say I recall whether the strut was offset, but it would seem to make sense.

 

[Mike]

It looks to me that the cutlass bearing strut is actually bent to port. It is not placed so that the shaft is slightly off center. It looks to be mounted on or close to the centerline of the boat and then bent to one side. This may be the way the boats were built, but I was looking for someone with a Pearson 32 and access to the bottom to check it out. This boat recently got a new engine refit and I am concerned that it was modified.