Replacement Shaft

[exchiefwarren]

I was planning on having the yard replace my Shaft, Transmission Coupler and Motor Mounts this spring. I unfortunately lost my job in early September and funds are tight. I did authorize the replacement of the Cutlass Bearing and that was all. Since I have nothing but time on my hands and usually do most of my own work myself I thought maybe I could tackle the project. I have done some research and it looks like if the Cutlass is removed first there should be enough room to remove the Shaft without dropping the Rudder. I have replaced the Rudder myself, but the yard will not allow digging a hole. They raised my boat (charged me of course) when I did the Rudder project a few years ago. If this is the case I thought about having them remove the old Cutlass, which should give me enough clearance to remove the Shaft. Since I do not have the tools to do the Cutlass, I thought this would take care of one step. I did go down to the boat today and was able to loosen the bolts at the Transmission Coupling. I was not able to remove the two set screws, but left them soaking in PB Blaster. The other question is I replaced my Prop last year with a Cambell Sailor Propeller which is bronze. Most people seem to replace their Shafts with Stainless Steel. Will I have a problem mixing metals? So far, I have not done anything that I cannot simply re-tighten. Does anybody have a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this project? Pictures would be great, but maybe that is asking too much. I was also planning on replacing the packing Box as well since there is quite a bit of corrosion. The PO was not as vigilant on replacing the packing on a regular basis. If anybody can help, you can e mail me pictures, videos at wjaffe@optonline.net. If this project is best left to the professionals, let me know that as well.
Thank you