Prop shaft moves in and out

[John Livingston]

I'm going down to Miami Saturday to pick up "Windswept" my 37c! The guy I got to clean the bottom, in the water, says he can back my prop and shaft out a couple of inches. Is this a concern or is it probably just a loose shaft coupling? He also said there is a slot in the keel for a centerboard, I asked him if he's sure he got the right boat, has anyone else heard of this? I've done quite a bit of research on this vessel and have a friend with one (Tom Hadoulias) and have not heard of a centerboard slot.Thanks!

 

[Gene Gruender]

Yep, it has the slot.

Yes, all I've seen have the slot. On mine, at least, it was filled with a bead type foam at one time. I understand they were originally designed to have a centerboard, but when they went to production the centerboard wasn't used, but the original keel design was. I'm sure some are still sealed over, but a few groundings will change that.

 

[David]

John

The shaft should not move in and out at all. I would check the coupling first. Maybe the set screw is loose or missing and there may be a problem with the shaft key.

 

[John Livingston]

thanks

Thanks guys,Gene, I've spent time on your website, you helped me decide which boat to get. Thanks!David, thanks for confirming my suspicions about the coupling, I couldn't think of anything else it could be and was just fishing for ideas.Tomorrow we should be offshore on our first sail on our new (to us) boat! Light winds and flat seas are predicted. Thanks again,John

 

[chet p]

home port?

where are you going to keep the boat...my 37 is in melbourne harbor. several in this area. let me know and maybe we can meet up and compare ...I just finished a repower and now the real projects start....later chet...good luck with your sail up

 

[John Livingston]

No home yet

Hey Chet,I haven't settled on a marina as of yet, will probabaly keep it on the hook for a week or two, then move to Cape Marina for a haul out.The sail up was great! decent winds and flat seas, We left Miami 9:00 AM Sunday 6/2, arrived Port Canaveral 4:30 PM Monday 6/3. Look me up in the phone book and give me a call.