Strut and Cutlass Bearing-Hunter 310

[Lee]

I have recently removed the transmission coupling from the shaft(not an easy task) in order to install a PSS dripless shaft seal. I would also like to replace the cutlass bearing at the same time, but cannot remove the shaft without dropping or drilling the rudder. While I was inspecting the prop, I realized that the strut was srewed on the hull with four screws, which would make the job very easy if the whole strut could be droped! But I'm not convinced that it's only held up with four screws and I'm afraid that it may also be permanently embeded in the hull. Has anyone had any experience with removing the strut? .. or would dropping the rudder be easier? Thanks, Lee 1997 Hunter 310-"Calaloo"

 

[Pete]

drop the strut !

you can drop the strut and yes it is held up with 4 screws and bolts ! It is also bedded in place (caulk). A lot easier then removing the rudder !It is also bolted (not just screwed) thur the hull so a second person is helpful to hold the nuts inside the boat. hunter customer service will "walk" you thur the process on the phone if you call them. Good Luck!

 

[Don Alexander]

I did it Too

Hi,My 376 is built the same way but it was the very devil to cut away the bedding caulk to free the strut, however I prevailed in the end.Also, when re-fixing the strut I was most concerned that the alignment would not be perfect as the tightening of the bolts onto the new caulk might not have given the exact same location as previously.Whilst I had the strut off I had it bored to 1 1/2" so that it would receive the standard 1" x 4" x 1 1/2" cutless bearing. This has a much thicker outer sleeve which makes it very much easier to drive the bearing out when a replacement is due.Be careful and all will be okay - and good luck.

 

[Pete]

drop the strut

when you go to remove the strut you may want to buy some "anti-bond" it is a bedding/caulk remover and should make the job a lot easier. Avalible at West Marine I think. Good Luck!