I need to replace the prop shaft on my 1985 C-36. There are some problems with corrosion. The cutless bearing and prop will be replaced at the same time. The quesion is, will it be necessary to remove the rudder to replace the prop shaft? Has anyone undertaken this project?
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Try the C36 Association website
before you think you have to dropthe rudder. Folks with our C34s can do it without removing the rudder and I'd venture a guess that perhaps you may be able to do so, too. At least check with the "specialists" on C36s before you do the work. Use the link, to the C36 'site, then go to Message Board.
before you think you have to dropthe rudder. Folks with our C34s can do it without removing the rudder and I'd venture a guess that perhaps you may be able to do so, too. At least check with the "specialists" on C36s before you do the work. Use the link, to the C36 'site, then go to Message Board.
It can be done
While I have not done it personally, several 36 owners have reported that by removing the cutlass bearing that they can remove the shaft without dropping the rudder.
While I have not done it personally, several 36 owners have reported that by removing the cutlass bearing that they can remove the shaft without dropping the rudder.
I have done it!!!
I changed the shaft on my 1985 36' Catalina about 6 months ago. I wasn't able to remove the shaft from the coupling so I cut it at the coupling, then went outside the boat and cut it above the strut. I removed the coupling and replaced it with a split coupling and the shaft I took to the prop shop in 3 pieces and had a new one made of stainless steel. The shaft alignment and the rudder is offset enough to place the new shaft into the coupling. You will get a tight fit and will get some rubbing against the rudder as it goes deeper into the hull. Once the shaft was in place I took some 3M filler and faired the place on the rudder where the shaft pressed against it. I sanded and then repainted the rudder with antifouling and was done. If you have any questions feel free to email or call. Chet S/V Vento chet@jamieblackyachtracing.com 561-536-8076
I changed the shaft on my 1985 36' Catalina about 6 months ago. I wasn't able to remove the shaft from the coupling so I cut it at the coupling, then went outside the boat and cut it above the strut. I removed the coupling and replaced it with a split coupling and the shaft I took to the prop shop in 3 pieces and had a new one made of stainless steel. The shaft alignment and the rudder is offset enough to place the new shaft into the coupling. You will get a tight fit and will get some rubbing against the rudder as it goes deeper into the hull. Once the shaft was in place I took some 3M filler and faired the place on the rudder where the shaft pressed against it. I sanded and then repainted the rudder with antifouling and was done. If you have any questions feel free to email or call. Chet S/V Vento chet@jamieblackyachtracing.com 561-536-8076
Well, ...
think that makes my point. You had to cut up the old shaft to get it out, and then repair the rudder after jamming the new shaft in. How deep was the groove in the rudder form the shaft? How do you know you didn't bend the new shaft?
think that makes my point. You had to cut up the old shaft to get it out, and then repair the rudder after jamming the new shaft in. How deep was the groove in the rudder form the shaft? How do you know you didn't bend the new shaft?
Shaft Change
I was answering the question if anyone had removed a shaft before without removing the rudder. Yes, I did cut the shaft to remove it as I stated. Why? Well it had never been removed and was seized to the coupling. I had no intention of reusing the coupling as I wanted to convert it to a split anyway. I was replacing the shaft so I had no reason to not make the removal easier. Cutting it made the removal much easier. I didn't "jam" the new shaft into the the coupling. It does rub against the rudder but the groove was minimal and was a cosmetic issue. I prefer the vessel be as flawless as possible so thus the reason I used a fairing compound. As to the alignment I used a laser to do a shaft alignment and a insured the shaft wasn't bent. If I was removing the shaft with the intention of replacing the same shaft I would drop the rudder. The original post from Mr. Cody indicated he was replacing the shaft. Why not then make the job as easy as possible. Removing the rudder is more involved and if it's done right this job can be done.
I was answering the question if anyone had removed a shaft before without removing the rudder. Yes, I did cut the shaft to remove it as I stated. Why? Well it had never been removed and was seized to the coupling. I had no intention of reusing the coupling as I wanted to convert it to a split anyway. I was replacing the shaft so I had no reason to not make the removal easier. Cutting it made the removal much easier. I didn't "jam" the new shaft into the the coupling. It does rub against the rudder but the groove was minimal and was a cosmetic issue. I prefer the vessel be as flawless as possible so thus the reason I used a fairing compound. As to the alignment I used a laser to do a shaft alignment and a insured the shaft wasn't bent. If I was removing the shaft with the intention of replacing the same shaft I would drop the rudder. The original post from Mr. Cody indicated he was replacing the shaft. Why not then make the job as easy as possible. Removing the rudder is more involved and if it's done right this job can be done.
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