Changing-Out the Cutlass Bearing

[witzgall]

Hi folks;

We have our new prop, a Campbell Sailer, nice and new and ready to go.
West by North Enterprises - Campbell Sailer

I have a new cutless bearing, actually two, on order (25mmx40mmx100mm).
Last weekend, I made a short attempt to remove the existing bearing, by
tapping on the bearing with a piece of galvanized pipe. The pipe was a bit
too big, with tapered threads that allowed me to move the bearing a few mm
before the pipe got in the way – finding 40mm pipe in the US is not so easy.

Here is my question. Has anyone removed their cutless bearing while the prop
is still in place? I am getting some advice that this is doable, but others
that say you need to remove the shaft first. Those that say you need to
remove the shaft talk about damaging the p-bracket during the removal
process. The folks that say I can remove it with the shaft in place think it
should drift out with minimal force.

Unless I find a piece of 40mm pipe, I will be using one of the bearings to
use as the punch to remove to old one. It may damage it, but it is still
much cheaper then paying the yard to do it! Pressing in the new on, I was
going to make a contraption with four long bolts and two metal plates to fit
around the p-bracket in a box shape, and then tighten it against the new
bearing pressing it in place. At least that is the theory.

So what say ye? Comments?

[witzgall]

Nobody?

[nonam]

Cutlass bearings are a crap shoot.Sometimes they are easy.Often they are not.I would say go ahead and try what you are thinking.

[Chief Engineer]

If the cutlass bearing is in a strut any decent yard should have a hydraulic cutlass bearing remover. It is two halves which fit over the shaft and is thin enough to push the bearing out.

What is a p-bracket?

[delmarrey]

There are many ways to remove cutless bearings. Since it's out of the water it makes it EZ.

Is it worth pulling the prop shaft? If you don't have many tools the answer is YES, that's if it'll come out. Some boats, one has to drop the rudder. In that case more work or more $$$.

If you can get the shaft out the work is minimal. If you have a couple set screws in the strut, those are there to crush the old bearing once you split the inside with a hacksaw blade. If you don't have the set screws then it has to be pushed out the end, which can be more difficult depending on how long it's been in there (corrosion).

Since your bearing is already moving it should come out easily. Take you pipe to a machine shop and tell them you need it machined to 1.550" (you must have 1-1/4" pipe).

If you use a new bearing to press out the old one it may get stuck and then you'll have real fun. Don't beat on the new bearing except with the square end of the pipe. It'll mushroom the end and will never go in all the way. It's BEST to press the bearings in/out!!!

If your not a mechanically minded person and not familiar with close tolerances, it maybe best to pay the yard. Could be cheaper in the long run. The damage you do could cost you more then what the yard would charge you.

[Albro359]

What on earth is a Cutlass bearing....is that to hold your sword up ?

If its the one that supports the end of your shaft...its Cutless !

Maybe you use Duck tape to hold up your Cutlass bearings !

I use DUCT tape ...I find it works better !

[witzgall]

Tomato TOMATO

[Fishman_Tx]

For a strut mount, look at this instructional. Can be made cheaply from simple hardware. Washers, nuts, and all-thread.
http://www.diybob.com/diyCutlessBearing.htm

To mill down a washer for the "press" use a drill that'll take a 1/4" (or whatever size all-thread your using) carriage bolt (full thread) in the chuck. Place the washer on the bolt and run the nut all the way til secure. Lock the bolt into the chuck. Spin the drill and lock the trigger if you can. Use a flat course file and mill the edge til it fits. Badda boom......

BTW,
What was the name for the shaft tube that goes thru the hull? Ours needs replacement, as we have already removed our cutless bearing.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Fishman_Tx

BTW,
What was the name for the shaft tube that goes thru the hull? Ours needs replacement, as we have already removed our cutless bearing.

Shaft log!

http://www.glenwoodmarine.net/Catalog/SHAFT%20LOG.pdf

[Marksman]

Or if he has a strut, it would be the stern tube.

Peace,

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Albro359

What on earth is a Cutlass bearing

It's a bearing for the windlass shaft.

FYI-With a stern tube there is no strut.

[Blue Stocking]

Get an old cutless bearing the same size as the one you are removing. Split it lengthways into 2 semi-cylinders with doubled-up hacksaw blades to make a wide saw cut. remove the rubber, clamp the two pieces to the shaft with g-clamps, buck the back side and and close up the gaps with a heavy hammer. Make 2 heavy steel plates with U-shaped cutouts to drop over the shaft ahead and behind the strut. The forward one should be a clearance fit for the shaft, the rear one should be clearance for the outside diameter of the bearing. Make the plates rectangular with matching holes for fine threaded rod, assemble on the shaft, tighten the nuts evenly and the split bearing will push the strut bearing out after you remove any set screws, hold the split bearing in place loosely with a hose clamp. Grease up the steel parts,wrap in wax paper and use your bearing puller anywhere in the world you are.

[Fishman_Tx]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Shaft log!

http://www.glenwoodmarine.net/Catalog/SHAFT%20LOG.pdf

THANK You!! I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called!

[never monday]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

If the cutlass bearing is in a strut any decent yard should have a hydraulic cutlass bearing remover. It is two halves which fit over the shaft and is thin enough to push the bearing out.

^the proper way

the propeller must be removed. The shaft can stay in place.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

What is a p-bracket?

P-bracket = strut