Strut installation

[Ron-Anne]

Hi all, we got our strut back and we are ready to re-install and I was wondering if there is a way for one man to do the installation, I was going to push the bolts down through the hull for the adjustment, then take them out one at a time and install them properly, the shaft is in place with the prop off, is there an easier way?
Thanks ahead of time
Ron

 

[Paul F]

I've done it with help. But, I can envision building a temporary fixture to hold the strut up during the installation. An "A" frame with a cross piece below the strut holding the strut in-place. Your first idea might be the best and should work well. It requires no additional parts and will be accomplished in a short time.

 

[Allan12210]

I used a step ladder, block of wood and the jack from my truck to hold the strut in place. Since mine was not aligned properly, I was rebedding it in epoxy, so I needed to support the strut while the epoxy cured. The shaft was inserted and supported inside the boat on a Vee block made of wood, so it passed exactly through the center of the shaft log. Note the Saran wrap. I did not want to bond the strut to the hull. Even after the epoxy cured, I did not apply any sealant between the strut and hull. Only the bolts are surrounded with a Sikaflex product. No leaks and if I need to in the future, the strut will come right off.