Cutlass Bearing Removal Tool
A website at www.strutpro.com has photos and
description of a tool that allows a cutlass bearing to be replaced without
removing the shaft or rudder. It's similar to a prop puller and can even be
used underwater. Places no stress on the
strut, requires no banging away, etc.
Why would any good yard or mechanic not have this type of tool?
Peter Clancy
AROBAN C320 #222
Guys,
Take a look at the C36 web site, C36.org. On the home page, click on Tom Senator's Toolbox to see a picture of the tool that you are looking for. I
believe it will remove and replace the bearing with the shaft in place. No idea what it costs or if you can get the shaft passed the rudder with the
bearing and stuffing box removed.
Dave, how many hours are on your engine? I have #545 with 425 hours and there is less than a 32nd of an inch of play in the bearing. I don't
anticipate that it will need to be replaced for several more years.
Good luck.
JeffC
> Stan,
>
> I didn't address it because I am not so sure how easy it will be to accomplish. The last time I changed a cutlass bearing on my Catalina 27,
> I made a tool to press the bearing into the strut. On my installation it was a snug fit as they most usually are, but the tool worked well. I have
> watched guys pounding on the bearing with a hammer and block of wood to press it into the strut. Some pounded so hard I was concerned with the
> integrity of the strut with the hull. Now if you are trying to do that along with simultaneously forcing the bearing down the shaft it has got to
> be significantly more difficult. I know that there are special machines that will accomplish this on large boats but I don't know whether they
> have them for our size. I hope this helps.
>
> Rod Boer
> Odyssey, #688
>
> Hi Dave,
>
> No one else seems to addressed your idea about cutting the brass shaft and removing the stuffing box to prevent having to drop the rudder. I have
> not
> attemped this process but I think it will work. Great idea!! I will be buying a folding/feathering prop at the Chicago Strictly Sail show this Feb.
> and was sweating about dropping the rudder to install a SS shaft.. Not sweating now.
>
> Stan
> "Our little Amusement" #744
>
>
> On 12/15/05, Dave Anderer <danderer@udel.edu> wrote:
>>
>> I need to replace the cutlass bearing this winter. There is also some corrosion on the shaft, so I might as well replace that with SS. And I
>> had a PSS on the previous boat and liked that, so I might as well..
>>
>> All of this is easy if the shaft can be withdrawn clear of the rudder. I've seen at least one note here indicating it can't be pulled without
>> dropping the rudder (which I can't readily do.)
>>
>> So if I can't go the easy route, does this plan make sense:
>> 1. Cut the shaft and remove it in pieces
>> 2. Remove the cutlass bearing
>> 3. Remove the stuffing box.
>> 4. Insert the new shaft. (The key idea is that without the cutlass and stuffing box, there will be enough play to allow the new shaft to slide
>> in clear of the rudder.)
>> 5. Install the PSS
>> 6. Install (press in) the new cutlass
>>
>> Does that seem to make sense? Am I missing anything obvious?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Dave
>> Meanderer II #642