Pearson V Drive

[Orrjames]

We own a 79' Pearson Ketch with a Westerbeke 43 engine and Walter V drive. It has developed a "knock" when in gear and keeps shearing the prop shaft bolts (3 times over the past year). Any ideas on how to correct this? The alignment when we put it back together seems pretty good but I have heard it may be the keyway in the prop shaft?

[Richard Jordan]

Yikes. I read your post and thought you had 79-foot long Pearson ketch! I thought the apostrophe went before the year as in '79 being short for 1979. I have had the problem with bolts unscrewing from vibration but not shearing clean off.

[SkiprJohn]

Is there a shaft between the transmission and the v-drive? Then another shaft between the v-drive and prop? Definitely harder to align but I can't imagine bolts shearing. Have any photos?
kind regards,

[NCboatrx]

If this boat has a remote Walter V drive I suspect a problem with either a failed engine mount or universal joint. There may also be an issue with the mounting of the Walter gear and its alignment with the shaft. I suggest that you get a competant marine mechanic to check this installation.