Shaft support

[pacerow]

Purchased a 1971 32' Irwin as a fixer upper. Motored about fifty miles to a boatyard to have it hauled. No problems. When I had it hauled, the yard said that the prop shaft was unusaually long without having a shaft strut. No vibrations from engine or prop while underway. No signs of having a strut. Should there be one? The shaft extends about a foot out from the cutlass. Pacerow

 

[Snotter]

I believe Dave Gerr in the "Propeller Handbook" says that shaft berrings should be spaced no further than 35 to 40 shaft widths. The shaft has to transmit the entire thrust of the propeller without bucklling.

 

[pacerow]

Think I came up with the reason for shaft not being supported. Boat originally had an atomic four. Previous owner installed a universal diesel. Have a feeling transmission took up a little more room. I could have the shaft cut down if anyone out there has the correct length of shaft from cutlass to end of shaft for a 1971 32' Irwin. Thanks