Tartan 30 cutlass bearing

moxnix · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006

Is anyone aware of the drive system on the T 30? I have an intermediate bearing between the transmision flange and the stuffing box. This bearing is worn out and I want to replace it. There is a bolt head on the top side of this bearing support and a nut on the bottom side. Both will turn but do not back off so I suppose the entire bolt is turning. I removed the support for the galley table thinking it would allow me access to the back of the bolts but it appears the bolts protrude through the hull and will require pulling out of the water to replace. Can anyone advise me on this, I'm new to sailing and this forum. Thanks
Steve Gray

owlmtn · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006

Steve, We also have a tartan 30. I have heard from a number of different sources that this bearing is redundant. the story i got was that the T30 was originally designed with a bronze drive shaft which due to the length needed an intermediate bearing. However, the boat was built with a stainless shaft and while the bearing was installed it is actually not required since stainless is much stronger than bronze. I cannot vouch for the truth of this, further investigation is certainly warranted. That being said I don't know how to get at that bolt, I find it hard to believe that it protrudes throught the hull, it doesn't on our boat. I suspect there is a threaded sleeve that has loosened. cutting may be the only way to remove it. Jim L

moxnix · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2006

Jim,
Thanks for the info, I have been down at the boat and away from the web. I tried running the boat at slow speed and the bearing broke off. I can now see that it was bolted to a block that was epoxied to the hull. I also discovered that my shaft is bronze and badly worn and will need to be replaced. I plan to use a SS shaft so I can eliminate this bearing. Do you have any idea how long the shaft is in a T30 so I can start checking prices before hauling the boat out of the water? Thanks

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2006

Moxnix-

When you're getting quotes, try to get quotes for duplex stainless, which is the best version of stainless for prop shafts.

moxnix · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2006

Thanks, do you have any suggestions as to where to look for quotes in the Ft Lauderdale area? Steve