FROM:Gregg Sawyer, 103161,757
TO:Ray
DATE:Wed, Jan 20, 1999 3:16:26 PM
RE:T-33; Replacing Cutlass Bearing
Ray,
We had ours replaced professionally, as it was in the yard for other work. There
are two set screws underneath the paint, if my memory serves me correctly, and the
replacement was done using a standard puller tool - this is the only reason I could see
that you should not do it yourself, as the work was pretty straightforward otherwise
(though there were some problems with the set screws). The bearing is a standard 1"
(prop. shaft diameter) piece, I believe; you should not need to remove the shaft - just
the propellor. If you do want to do it yourself, you could try the old trick of heating
the strut and freezing the bearing to make re-fitting easier; I didn't try this myself, so
take this with a grain of salt (excuse the pun)...
There's a story here of course... Since we bought the boat in upstate New York
in December, we didn't have a sea (or lake) trial, but I was aware that the fairing had
broken away around the base of the prop. shaft support strut (that holds the bearing
you are concerned about). Unfortunately, I didn't consider the cause of this in enough
depth, and just re-faired with MarineTex (good strong stuff - I knew I was going to
regret it...). When we eventually got her in the water and used the engine, I detected
an unpleasant reverberation, and eventually determined that this was being caused by
the prop. and/or shaft, rather than directly by the engine - this tallies with the lost
fairing. In addition, I noticed that several of the four through-hull bolts that secure the
strut are weeping.
The upshot is that I will have to haul her out before I had intended, and sort
out the probem. The shaft is not obviously bent, the bearing was brand new, and
underwater inspection shows that the MarineTex is holding on well (see - good strong
stuff!). So I would appreciate any advice on how to identify the cause of the problem,
and rectify it. Even if I don't do the work myself, it is good to be fore-armed before
approaching the professionals...
FROM:Gregg Sawyer, 103161,757
TO:Neil
DATE:Sun, Jan 24, 1999 1:40:00 PM
RE:Re: T-33; Replacing Cutlass Bearing
Neil,
Thank you very much for the information; coincidentally, there is significant play
in the rudder bearings, and there is a definite reverberation in the rudder shaft. I
noticed the play myself when inspecting the boat before purchase, but the surveyor
did not comment on it in two surveys, so I assumed it was not at a level to cause
concern; I am, of course, now an older and wiser man.
I have investigated this very carefully, and I believe that the rudder post is
vibrating sympathetically, driven by the primary source (whatever that may be).
However, I had planned to replace this bearing (plural?), but more urgent work
occupied the repair facility's time until it was too late (like I said - older and wiser); I
had planned to just drop the rudder and fit shim tape to take up the wear, but have
to admit that a more permanent solution is the right thing to do. Your explanation
does ring true, and although I am not convinced that this will fully resolve the
problem, I will try to do the work when I haul her to reseal the strut bolts, but with
trepidation - without wishing to impose on your time further, how big is big?
Any information gratefully received; of course, I will be happy to reciprocate
given the opportunity. Thanks,
Gregg
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