Prop shaft suggestions?

[Scott21120]

I pulled my rudder yesterday since I discovered some delamination and water inside, so I decided somewhat masochistically to go further, and pull the prop shaft, packing gland, and perhaps replace the engine mounts while I am at it! Today I was able to get the prop shaft out, and it is pretty measurably worn in the area where the packing was, and very slightly worn in the cutless bearing area. I decided to pull it because I noticed it is very slightly out of true as well. I am assuming at this point that replacement is preferable to repair with that many strikes against it, so now I am wondering, stainless or bronze? Which suppliers would you recommend? Any other caveats I should be aware of? Our boat is an Oday 34, with a 16x9 2 blade fixed prop that I may replace with a 3 blade fixed prop.Thanks,Scott

 

[Ross]

Scott, there are some standard alloys used for

propeller shafts. If you go the a shop that makes these all you need tell them is the size and length. Any good prop shop can advise you on the three blade equivilant for your two blade prop.

 

[NYSail]

Prop shop

Obviously your engine was out of alignment causing presure at the cuttless and also your packing gland was too tight....I am no expert, however I removed my shaft, replaced my engine mounts, stuffing box and cuttless bearing and was told of some of the problems and there associated causes.Bring your stuff to the pro's and let them tell you what you need to do to correct you situation.Good luck

 

[Steve Dion]

many marine yards will custom make a shaft.

Scott:Many marine yards can custom cut a shaft for you. They have lathes that will machine the threads and any taper into the shaft.I got a quote of about $100/ft installed. I really do not know what this included. I assume that it was to remove & replace the shaft, repack the stuffing box, cutlass bearing materials & labor. It probably did not include the haulout.