Strut Alignment

[Garry Elmer]

The strut on our 1980 Hunter 33 is way out of alignment. How it got that way I am not sure. This is not a "Tweek" but several degrees out. I was going to drop the strut, install a new cutlass bearing and lay some FG in where it had mounted and grind and shim as required to align the strut with the bore of the strern tube. Other have recommended I have the strut heated and bent. Still other say this is the job for a "professional". What say ye all?Thanks!Garry Elmerhttp://www.99main.com/~elmergw/elmergw@99main.com

 

[Kevin]

Strut bent

Dear Garry,Thank you for your note. I would think that if the strut is out of column it got that way due to an impact of some sort. I would think that if the impact was severe enough for the unit to bend, it could have easly disrupted the bedding which it is set into. I would have the strut removed and the bed inspected along with either replacing the bent strut or have it straightened. The installation is what is difficult. If the strut is out of column when replaced it severely affects the longevity of the cutlass, stuffing box and motor mounts not to mention the vibration it induces. I would think that I would have a professional help me the first time because I’m sure there are some tricks, which will make the job much easier and help to eliminate the described problems down the road. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Kevin L. Woody