Hello, I have to replace the cutlass strut on my 1988 hunter 37 (broke in half). The boat will have to be craned out. Before we do this I want all my ducks in a row. Does anyone know wether the strut bolts go thru the hull and if so does the fuel tank have to be removed. I have tried for 2 days to get a hold of Hunter with no success. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Randy S/V Foxy Roxy
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Alignment
I have a 35.5 and I have replaced the strut and shaft on mine. I am assuming a similar design and access should be under the aft bed with easy access. If not visible could be a problem. The biggest hurdle I faced was finding competent people to instal the new strut with the proper alignment. All struts and boats are different and the hull may flex when on the hard. The strut needs to be very precisely aligned to ensure the final alignment can be done. The final engine alignment should be done after the boat is in the water and has had time to settle back to the final hull shape. You may want to have your shaft checked and possibly replaced if it is bent. The new strut will hopefully come with a new cutlass installed, if not you will need one. The last item you may consider is replacing the motor mounts while you have it torn apart as they may be old and worn. Final comment is - engine alignment is not an easy job - make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing.
I have a 35.5 and I have replaced the strut and shaft on mine. I am assuming a similar design and access should be under the aft bed with easy access. If not visible could be a problem. The biggest hurdle I faced was finding competent people to instal the new strut with the proper alignment. All struts and boats are different and the hull may flex when on the hard. The strut needs to be very precisely aligned to ensure the final alignment can be done. The final engine alignment should be done after the boat is in the water and has had time to settle back to the final hull shape. You may want to have your shaft checked and possibly replaced if it is bent. The new strut will hopefully come with a new cutlass installed, if not you will need one. The last item you may consider is replacing the motor mounts while you have it torn apart as they may be old and worn. Final comment is - engine alignment is not an easy job - make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing.
Thanks
Thanks for your reply. I am heading out to the boat tonight to look under the bed and see if the fuel tank is over the bolts. I understand the engine alignment process and have some very competent freinds around who will help. I am assuming the strut was bedded with 3M 5200. Is this what you found? Was the old strut hard to remove? Again, I appreciate this forum and the help it has been over the years. I am not looking forward to this repair. :0 Thanks, Captain Randy Pritchard foxyroxysails.com
Thanks for your reply. I am heading out to the boat tonight to look under the bed and see if the fuel tank is over the bolts. I understand the engine alignment process and have some very competent freinds around who will help. I am assuming the strut was bedded with 3M 5200. Is this what you found? Was the old strut hard to remove? Again, I appreciate this forum and the help it has been over the years. I am not looking forward to this repair. :0 Thanks, Captain Randy Pritchard foxyroxysails.com
Just replaced one in water
I just replaced a strut on a 34 in the water. If you have problems finding a strut you can get on from Dahmer marine. I used air tools to cut the fairing away and underwater epoxy to seal it. I'll fair it back in when it's pulled out next. the bolts did have nuts on the back side. Tim Welsh Hunter 34 S/V Cabo Wabo Lake Ouachita, AR
I just replaced a strut on a 34 in the water. If you have problems finding a strut you can get on from Dahmer marine. I used air tools to cut the fairing away and underwater epoxy to seal it. I'll fair it back in when it's pulled out next. the bolts did have nuts on the back side. Tim Welsh Hunter 34 S/V Cabo Wabo Lake Ouachita, AR
strutt bedding
I think they likely used 4200 for the bedding as 5200 is permanent. It was a bit of a job getting it off but not the worst part.
I think they likely used 4200 for the bedding as 5200 is permanent. It was a bit of a job getting it off but not the worst part.
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