Two years ago we had prop strippers installed on our H33. At that time our cutlass bearing was 1 year old and in perfect condition. We have been dealing with a shaft vibration since shortly after the strippers were put on. This vibration was different, it occured whether or not the shaft was turning. It occured in several RPM ranges but not others, in gear or neutral, it was driving me nuts. I incorrectly assumed (yeah, I know what they say about assuming) that my cutlass bearing was good since it was fairly new. I felt the vibration was the shaft against the stern tube, it wasn't. It turned out to be the shaft vibrating against the strut, my cutlass bearing was toast in under two years! My last bearing lasted five+ years and was still in great condition. The only change was the addition of the prop strippers. Has anyone else had anything happen after the addition of prop strippers? I again have a nice new cutlass bearing. I left the strippers on there, if I start to feel that vibration again than I'll yank the strippers off and take my chances in the crab pot fields.
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I do hate it when strippers use props.....
But I sure wouldn't want to comment on the second part of your problem..... ;o) Have fun! Flying Dutchman
But I sure wouldn't want to comment on the second part of your problem..... ;o) Have fun! Flying Dutchman
Cutlass Bearing
I have a 2001 C320, and to my great chagrin, we discovered upon my winter haul-out that my cutlass bearing was wearing excessively. The yard guys say it is most likely due to either (a) engine/shaft misalignment or (b) an unbalanced condition along the drive train (prop, zinc, etc.). Their explanations: (a) Regarding engine/shaft alignment, it can be knocked out just due to hauling & launching or major tuning of the standing rigging. Both will cause the hull to warp just a bit. (b) Props from the factory aren't always as balanced as we'd like to believe. Also, a badly worn zinc (that really did its job!) can also throw the balance off. I'm certainly no expert, but it sounds plausible. By the way, my yard's estimate to replace it on a C320 was around $200, labor & parts, while it was on the hardstand. Question: When you say "prop strippers" I presume that you are referring to those cutters of net & line that might snag the prop, right? --Ron
I have a 2001 C320, and to my great chagrin, we discovered upon my winter haul-out that my cutlass bearing was wearing excessively. The yard guys say it is most likely due to either (a) engine/shaft misalignment or (b) an unbalanced condition along the drive train (prop, zinc, etc.). Their explanations: (a) Regarding engine/shaft alignment, it can be knocked out just due to hauling & launching or major tuning of the standing rigging. Both will cause the hull to warp just a bit. (b) Props from the factory aren't always as balanced as we'd like to believe. Also, a badly worn zinc (that really did its job!) can also throw the balance off. I'm certainly no expert, but it sounds plausible. By the way, my yard's estimate to replace it on a C320 was around $200, labor & parts, while it was on the hardstand. Question: When you say "prop strippers" I presume that you are referring to those cutters of net & line that might snag the prop, right? --Ron
Strippers vs. spurs
Ron, yeah, by prop strippers I mean line/net cutters. There are several types, probably the most popular type are prop spurs. Well actually, the most popular type might be the type Henk spoke about but that is a topic for another forum... I have a brand called Prop Strippers. Also, during all this vibration last year I was throwing off my shaft zinc's at a fast pase, I never came close to having one get eaten away, they just dissappeared every 20 hours or so. I usually go through less than one per year (about 300 engine hours).
Ron, yeah, by prop strippers I mean line/net cutters. There are several types, probably the most popular type are prop spurs. Well actually, the most popular type might be the type Henk spoke about but that is a topic for another forum... I have a brand called Prop Strippers. Also, during all this vibration last year I was throwing off my shaft zinc's at a fast pase, I never came close to having one get eaten away, they just dissappeared every 20 hours or so. I usually go through less than one per year (about 300 engine hours).
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