C
Charles Boyle
I'm half-owner of a Columbia 8.7 I swam to investigate a massive thumping and found about 1/2" shaft play at the Cutless bearing.The boat's now in the yard, where we saw that the bearing's hard-rubber inner collar is missing.So, we're replacing the Cutless bearing for the second time in 12 years. It required removing the rudder in order to draw out the shaft.We found the rubber collar several feet up the shaft, intact. It had separated from its constraining bronze collar for unknown reasons.The bronze collar is so frozen in place that the yard can't knock it out.Their mechanics are now sawing it loose. They showed me the removed shaft this morning.It's scored and pitted where the packing gland grips.The gland has leaked for years and requires tightening every few months.The yardmaster says that the scoring/pitting is probably due to excessive tightening - -and that leakage may continue unless a new, smooth surface is provided.He advises manufacture of a replacement shaft at a Baltimore machine shop.I told him to price it. He also says that the shaft should be shortened.At present, the open-air distance from the Cutless bearing to the prop is 5 1/2".He claims that this is too long, probably allowing some propellor-whip of the shaft. He speculates that whipping may be what worked the inner collar loose.He advises reducing the open-air distance to about 2", leaving enough for a zinc anode ring. No one will estimate how long the existing stainless steel shaft will last if I put it back in. It looks strong. The pitting is focused along 1/2" of shaft. The pits are randomly distributed full circle, with max pit depth about 1/32". My partner's age/health prevent him from sailing, and he doesn't expect improvement.As a result, we may sell the boat so that he can reclaim his investment. The yard's estimated cost is already about $970 for the hauling and labor of bearing replacement. I hope that you can provide me with some advice on the need-for/advisability-of manufacturing a new and shorter shaft. If not, where might I get such advice? Sincerely yours, Charles BoyleAnnapolis, MD