I need to replace my prop shaft on our 1984 Hunter 34. Any suggestions as to how and whether it can be pulled out by the rudder. Also, any suggestions where to look for a used/good condition 46'3 mast with swept spreaders ?? Dismasted in December 
Pulling the prop shaft on a H34
- Thread starter gordonac
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Shaft removal.
We had this thread recently:
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104294
Not sure how your shaft strut is mounted but this might work on the H34. Fred will know for sure.
We had this thread recently:
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104294
Not sure how your shaft strut is mounted but this might work on the H34. Fred will know for sure.
Re: Shaft removal.
I ended up taking mine out by raising the motor. The shaft will not pass by the rudder- so plan 1 was to drop the rudder by digging a hole when it was on the cradle, Couple of big rocks about 8" down ended that. Tried the strut(plan 2) but it was very difficult- both the ss bolts and the 5200 ( I presume) abandoned that and rigged the preventer block and tackle to a couple of 2X4 across the hatch and tied to the winches so they would not slide. Used a short length of chain with two of the screw together links fastened to the attachment loops. There is enough give in everything that I was able to raise the motor just enough to slide the shaft with the coupling on it out the forward end into the cabin without disconnecting anything. Make sure you pick the balance spot right in the chain and get your 2x4s directly above. Re alignment is easy as you dont have to do anything but remove the top mounting nuts. Of course take the coupling apart before you raise the engine. Good luck
I ended up taking mine out by raising the motor. The shaft will not pass by the rudder- so plan 1 was to drop the rudder by digging a hole when it was on the cradle, Couple of big rocks about 8" down ended that. Tried the strut(plan 2) but it was very difficult- both the ss bolts and the 5200 ( I presume) abandoned that and rigged the preventer block and tackle to a couple of 2X4 across the hatch and tied to the winches so they would not slide. Used a short length of chain with two of the screw together links fastened to the attachment loops. There is enough give in everything that I was able to raise the motor just enough to slide the shaft with the coupling on it out the forward end into the cabin without disconnecting anything. Make sure you pick the balance spot right in the chain and get your 2x4s directly above. Re alignment is easy as you dont have to do anything but remove the top mounting nuts. Of course take the coupling apart before you raise the engine. Good luck
Pulling Prop shaft on Hunter 34
Hey, Gordon, My prop threw a blade and the unbalance broke the strut. Pulling the strut mounting plate was not bad at all. There were 4 thru-bolts and it was bedded in some kind of hard, like epoxy, bedding compound. There was 5200 around the mounting bolts. There are probably shims under the mounting plate to make it line up with the engine coupling, so be careful to put them back EXACTLY like they came out. In the attached shot, you can see the rectangular mounting plate where it is recessed into the hull. We re-shimmed and re-bedded with West System and a little 5200 on the bolts again.. Not a big job but re-aligning the skeg was tedious and then the engine had to be re-aligned too.. If you are lucky, you may be able to get the plate off without disturbing the bedding and shims, but I wouldn’t bet on that.. Fred probably has some better pictures of the skeg.. Rich's idea of just moving it a bit up is pretty slick too..
Hey, Gordon, My prop threw a blade and the unbalance broke the strut. Pulling the strut mounting plate was not bad at all. There were 4 thru-bolts and it was bedded in some kind of hard, like epoxy, bedding compound. There was 5200 around the mounting bolts. There are probably shims under the mounting plate to make it line up with the engine coupling, so be careful to put them back EXACTLY like they came out. In the attached shot, you can see the rectangular mounting plate where it is recessed into the hull. We re-shimmed and re-bedded with West System and a little 5200 on the bolts again.. Not a big job but re-aligning the skeg was tedious and then the engine had to be re-aligned too.. If you are lucky, you may be able to get the plate off without disturbing the bedding and shims, but I wouldn’t bet on that.. Fred probably has some better pictures of the skeg.. Rich's idea of just moving it a bit up is pretty slick too..
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I need to replace my prop shaft on our 1984 Hunter 34. Any suggestions as to how and whether it can be pulled out by the rudder. Also, any suggestions where to look for a used/good condition 46'3 mast with swept spreaders ?? Dismasted in December
Great information. Thank you all very much. I am new to this Hunter forum exchange and I think it is wonderful. Glad to be in the company of those with know how. I will likely attempt the raised engine approach. Smooth sailing
Dan, yeah.. electrolysis is what caused the prop blade to leave the area and then the skeg broke and the shaft bent.. The skeg and prop were badly de-zinc'ed.. Over-reaction... yeah prolly so ! I did an electrolysis survey with a reference cell recently and discovered that the skeg needed to be bonded to the keel/engine.. and that I probably had too much zinc in the water.. The survey also told me that there was an AC voltage leak to the bayou in the dock power system.. most likely a result of it having gone underwater a few times in the past years due to hurricanes. I am erring on the cautious side..
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