Replacement cutless bearing housing for Series 1

[reefmagnet]

Hi Guys

The original cutless bearing housing on my boat has been cut off flush with the back of the keel. As I'm reconverting from outboard to inboard, I need to both extract the remains of the old housing and source a replacement. Ideally, I'd like something the same as the original spec that I can grab reasonably locally but I guess anything that can be made to do the job will suffice.

One issue I have is that I have never seen another Vega in the flesh, so aside from some photos on the web, I have no idea of either the external dimensions (i.e. the bit protruding past the end of the keel) of the original housing or how it was fixed into place.

So, my questions for today are

What are the best / least destructive / least heartache producing methods for removing the remains of the old housing and;

Does anyone know of a commercially available housing and bearing that can be used as a replacement that will result in the least destruction / least heartache in the process?

Oh, and while I'm at it, the engine side of stern tube that pokes out of the hull has some minor damage at the very end. I'm thinking of cutting away about 10 to 15 mm with a Dremel tool rather then try to repair it. I intend to fit the Volvo Black Jack stern seal. I don't think that this will cause any problems, but if anyone knows otherwise I would be glad to hear it.

Thanks again!

 

[vegatern]

I've posted pictures of the cutlass bearing assembly in Tern's photo album. I doubt they will help much unless you've got a box of unidentifiable stuff that this resembles. The bearing itself is available from Steve Birch.

Craig Tern #1519

 

[emmajen5]

Yes, talk to Steve about the cutless bearing replacement. Re. the
Volvo Black Jack, one was supplied with my Beta when I converted from
the MD 6 and it has worked great: easy to install and maintain.

Garry
Raven V.2427

 

[pjacobs55]

My stern tube was worn thin at the front on one side due to engine misalignment. I trimmed it off to leave enough protruding to fit the stuffing box hose over with two clamps. It's been OK for six years now.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[reefmagnet]

Thanks again guys.

Craig, Do you know if the series 1 housing is the same as the series 2?
Based on your photos, I can have an off the shelf housing machined and
adapted. Totally off topic, but that model in you album is great! Did you
build it?

Garry, just received the a Black Jack gland yesterday. It sure looks like it
will do the job but that's got to be one of the most expensive pieces of
rubber I have ever seen lol!

Peter, thanks for the info, that was my thinking that it would be no big
deal. Now I've got the stern gland in my hot little hand I'm just going to
check that it will have enough side clearance before I whip the Dremel out.
Which prompts me to ask, how did you cut yours off?

 

[SVFlyAway]

I had a similar problem except my tube had a chunk missing off the end when
I took off the stuffing box. I squared it off with a hacksaw and sanded it
smooth by hand. Looking at the missing chunk I am surprised that the entire
stuff box didn't just fly off there was so little tubing left to hold it on.

When I installed the Beta I used the Black Jack. I found the stainless clamp
fitting that comes with it is too big. So I went and purchased two screw
clamps, the really good ones and it has worked well for 6 years now. One
thing with the Black Jack, make sure you slather the blue grease on it
liberally. And redo it every year at least. I have found the source for a
tube of the grease is from a Volvo marine dealer. I suppose other grease
would work, but their tube is handy with the little nozzle.

 

[vegatern]

I can't answer that but Steve Birch would know. I have some dimensions of the cutlass bearing parts in my "boat book", which is on the boat, and will take a look for them tomorrow night.
I built the model using the hull diagrams in the manual, first a plaster cast to make the mold, and then cast the hull from the mold.
Craig Tern #1519

 

[pjacobs55]

I can't remember, but a Dremel tool sounds fine1

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi All

Tell me what info etc is needed about the stern bearing and I'll see what I can dig out. What series of Vega are we talking about? What was the original engine? Is the exhaust outlet in the middle or starboard side of the transom.

CheersSteve Birch

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Chris

Yep, the clamp supplied with teh Volvo Blackjack sterngland is too large for
the Vega sterntube. Use 2 x high quality hose clamps (jubilee clips here in
the UK), make sure they are 316 stainless and mount them opposite each other
as far as possible.

I have now had my volvo sterngland installed for over 12 years now and the
only maintenance is a finger of volvo blue grease each spring.

Cheers

Steve Birch

 

[reefmagnet]

Hey Steve,

It's a series one that originally had the Albin petrol engine but is about
to undergo the Beta Marine transplant

Re the Black Jack stern gland. Yes it is too big - 42mm ID or thereabouts -
to fit the stern tube (32mm OD). I picked up a nice piece of offcut nylon
bar stock on the cheap yesterday which I'll get a mate of mine with a lathe
to machine into a suitable adapter.

Ta - Jeff

 

[vegatern]

Jeff, The measurements that I took from the bearing assembly when I had it out are pretty much worthless. I only have the over all length and width of the bearing holder. Not near enough to re create the assembly. There must be something stock available.
Craig Tern 1519