Pulling the prop shaft.

[Ken Palmer]

I would like to install a PSS Shaft Seal on my H33 this winter. Liberty was hauled yesterday, and I see that the rudder is in-line with the prop. Does this mean I have to remove the rudder? What have other H33 owners done?Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty

 

[David McKie]

Pull shaft?

Ken, when I installed the pss I just removed the shaft coupler which allowed me enough clearence to remove the old stuffing box and install new. When I did remove the shaft for replacement later, I simply removed the strut. While the strut was off I replaced the cutlass.

 

[Jim McCue]

While you're at it-

Check your cutlass bearing for galvanic action.If its been 10 years or more you really should replace it.Check for play and the condition of the bushings.Jim McCue

 

[jim logan]

while you are at it, version 2

You might want to check the rudder stuffing box for leakage and corrosion. Several of us H33 owners have had to have a new stuffing box piece made because of the stainless steel corroding and leaking in a manner that could not be stopped. If you are getting water in the bilge, you might want to check the rudder stuffing box to make sure that is not at least part of the problem. hard to get to, but worth it. Might want to repack while you have the boat out.

 

[Sam Lust]

While you'ye at it, section 3, note 2

Check the bolts that hold in the stern tube. On my 1983 33 they were so long They were rubbing on the PSS bellows and would have chafed through. I cut them off as close to flush as I could. Enjoy the contortions getting in there.When I did the job I pulled the rudder, feeling t was the lesser of evils. While the shaft is out check it for true. Spin it on "V" blocks, you'll see any bend. If it's slight you can straighten it easily.

 

[Don Bodemann]

ck shaft for discoloration

I've been told that "blotchy" discoloration of the shaft and what appears to be flaking, indicates a need for replacement. Something about the metelergy changing/leeching and the shafts get brittle???