Stewart 34 Rust/Leaking issues behind motor?

[pallantejm]

As a newbie to sailing/inspecting, I recently viewed a Stewart 34 and took some pics. I'd like to get a second opinion/thoughts on how this looks. Maybe even seriousness of the situation? Any input would be helpful!

[a64pilot]

Yeah, that’s a mess.
Someone mounted a pillow block bearing to take thrust so that they could install that driveshaft with U-joints.
In my opinion the whole thing ought to come out, the shaft replaced and run as the designer intended, but there may be underlining issues, like maybe that’s not the original engine, and maybe it can’t be aligned without custom mounts of some kind.

[pallantejm]

Thanks so much for this info. You've really saved us some hassle with this. Also here were some other pics taken. There was also a bit of water/rust in the bilge. Does this look worrying to you?

[a64pilot]

Now that’s just my opinion. All boats are going to have issues, especially older less expensive ones, you just need to pick your battles.

[Lepke]

It's a real Mickey Mouse setup. The shaft was probably installed by someone that either didn't know how to properly install an engine and align the shaft or was too lazy to do a proper job. The U-joints in the shaft are probably causing vibration that causes the seal to leak.

Anywhere you have steel bolts and water, especially salt water, you're going to have rust stains. The only solution is to clean the steel and put a barrier coating on it.

[Fore and Aft]

I take it she is cold moulded and maybe built from NZ Kauri or white Pine? I would be checking for any soft spots in the bilge and anywhere else that water could get trapped. The guys are correct in saying replace that shaft nightmare with what Bob intended.
Cheers

[Cadence]

Sorry, but u-joints belong under a car/truck. From the pic it appears a pillow block is rusting? I'm afraid you are looking at an accident looking for a place to happen. You may be able to nurse it if the engine is only used for docking. JMHO

[Squanderbucks]

My inde
Rats ding is that double universal joint require a support in the center between the joints. Not necessarily so on dingle joint.

[pallantejm]

Every one replying has been a huge help. Thanks a lot for the feedback! I love the boat, but now with this new info need to weigh up the options. Any clue as to how expensive fixing her up may be? Ballpark fig?



Everything else seems to be in tip-top condition. Just the engine set up has been a downer.

[captlloyd]

There is nothing wrong with that driveshaft setup, some high end yachts currently run that way. The problem there is that it has not properly been cared for and painted to prevent corrosion. Just replace the bearings.

[Grattaway]

There are plenty of reasons why this set up has been installed and it isnt necessarily bad just needs attention

For example a new motor or one mounted lower than intended may require the universals but improve the boat overall with weight down lower in the bilge than previously
And universals such as shown are common throughout the world and drive lots of plant including at much higher revs than you will have. Many are very well balanced and do not vibrate. - You can probably see weight or cutouts on the shft if it has been balanced which is more common than not.

Having said this the leaking gland has allowed the pillow block bearing to deteriorate -so inspect carefully. But they are readily available, reasonably simple to replace and can be used to exactly align the shaft.

I have a similar set up on my Hartley and successfully replaced the same bearing a couple of years ago

Would not put me off buying the boat unless lots of other issues to also deal with
Good luck
Wayne

[a64pilot]

To do a shaft like that you need CV joints, not U-joints, U-joints will vibrate, guaranteed, that is why there are CV joints

[Grattaway]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

To do a shaft like that you need CV joints, not U-joints, U-joints will vibrate, guaranteed, that is why there are CV joints

You are correct CV joints are better than UV Joints - but plenty of boats, machinery and equipment around the world use UV joints - especially older boats/equipment and they operate perfectly OK

[expatria]

Hi, I really think you should get a boat builder to do a survey. Like old/classic cars, older boats are similar. Sometimes if something looks just a little rotten or rusty, there can be a whole lot worse lurking behind it. Unless you're a very competent handy man, older and not well cared for boats/cars can be very expensive repair and maintain. There are plenty of surveyors around in Auckland, if that's where you are.
Good luck.

[Davo1404]

The rusty water is probably coming from the rusty thrust bearing? Is the water salt or fresh?

Originally Posted by pallantejm

Thanks so much for this info. You've really saved us some hassle with this. Also here were some other pics taken. There was also a bit of water/rust in the bilge. Does this look worrying to you?