Does anyone have experience with replacing the stern tube? Not sure I have the right nomenclature, I am referring to the tube at the stern of the boat that the prop shaft passes through and to which the shaft seal is fastened. I have searched the archives with no luck, but may have the wrong name for what I am looking for. My boat is a 1989 Hunter Legend 37 but any experiences will be appreciated. thanks, Del Wiese Chasing Rainbows
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Replaced mine two years ago
Mine broke while out sailing. Replaced it in the water with a professional diver doing the real work. I would recommend you pull the boat. On the hard or in the water, you have to remove the drive shaft to replace the stern tube. The job is a matter of removing the shaft then taking off the old tube and putting on a new one and putting the shaft back. The link is to my write up of the experience.
Mine broke while out sailing. Replaced it in the water with a professional diver doing the real work. I would recommend you pull the boat. On the hard or in the water, you have to remove the drive shaft to replace the stern tube. The job is a matter of removing the shaft then taking off the old tube and putting on a new one and putting the shaft back. The link is to my write up of the experience.
Stern tube
I believe you are right in calling it a stern tube but if its like my 34 its a bronze ( I hope its not brass ? ) fitting that is bolted into the hull with 2 stainless bolts. I removed mine last year, cleaned it and refitted it bedding it on with 3M 5200. It was a bit corroded but cleaned up well. The boat had only been used on freshwater so maybe corrosion in a saltwater environment would be a much more. I would much prefer to have a stainless steel one if they are available. On my previous Beneteau the tube was fibreglass and bonded in really well with lots of mat and resin. To replace the tube the prop shaft has to come out which means removing the shaft coupling, propeller, the shaft gland and the stern tube. I think the P Bracket and the rudder can be left in place.
I believe you are right in calling it a stern tube but if its like my 34 its a bronze ( I hope its not brass ? ) fitting that is bolted into the hull with 2 stainless bolts. I removed mine last year, cleaned it and refitted it bedding it on with 3M 5200. It was a bit corroded but cleaned up well. The boat had only been used on freshwater so maybe corrosion in a saltwater environment would be a much more. I would much prefer to have a stainless steel one if they are available. On my previous Beneteau the tube was fibreglass and bonded in really well with lots of mat and resin. To replace the tube the prop shaft has to come out which means removing the shaft coupling, propeller, the shaft gland and the stern tube. I think the P Bracket and the rudder can be left in place.
Del, try 'shaft log' in your search.
Also stainless steel shaft logs are a no-no. The logs have poor water circulation and that leads directly to oxygen deprivation destruction in stainless steel.
Also stainless steel shaft logs are a no-no. The logs have poor water circulation and that leads directly to oxygen deprivation destruction in stainless steel.
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