Squealing shaft?

[NotCook]

So we are motoring along, about to enter the channel into the marina, and a horrendous squealing sound starts down below, echoing throughout the boat. Running down below, I find that the sound seems to be coming from the shaft. I came back up and took it out of gear, out it back in gear, and no problem.

What do I make of this? What’s the likely issue?

 

[kappykaplan]

My first instinct is the fan belt . . .

 

[Justin_NSA]

Could it be the cutlass bearing?
A belt would still be moving unless the engine was turned off.

 

[RoyS]

Shaft dripless seal lost water and needed a burp.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Shaft dripless seal lost water and needed a burp.

That would be scary if the mating surfaces got scored!

 

[NotCook]

Could it be the cutlass bearing?
A belt would still be moving unless the engine was turned off.

This is what I am suspecting. It has chirped a few times, then squealed a long time, until
I changed rpms or took it out of gear. Most definitely is not a belt.

 

[jviss]

I find it hard to believe a cutless bearing would squeal, being immersed in water, and all. I can imagine a transmission bearing squealing, especially if it's "spun," and this can be intermittent.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I find it hard to believe a cutless bearing would squeal, being immersed in water, and all. I can imagine a transmission bearing squealing, especially if it's "spun," and this can be intermittent.

Yeah. I've not had a cutlass bearing go bad but I'd guess the sound would be drowned out.
I would be careful not to cause further damage.

 

[31seahorse]

+1 for the possibility RoyS suggested.

We found that "dry out" of our old and worn non-vented dripless occurred sometimes when we encountered a following sea. Note: The mating surfaces were very hot to the touch, but "burping the shaft seal" ended the noise. Could a similar noise occur from a shaft packing that was too tight? (We never had one of those.) At the next haul out we changed to the style that had the air vent tube and I do not remember the noise recurring. Ah, but memory fades....that was in 2013 or thereabouts!