Replacing cutless bearing

[brak]

So, new boat - new issues. This is a full keel boat with rudder attached to keel and propeller in the "aperture" behind the keel (between keel and rudder).

To replace cutless bearing I have to remove propeller shaft, correct? It looks like I won't be able to remove the propeller from the shaft with rudder in place - even when rudder is all the way to one side, I think propeller blades are still slightly outside of the "aperture".

So, am I screwed and would have to have rudder removed? Is there any space that can be gained on the other end (near transmission connection) to pull shaft slightly in? What's the best approach?

Also - how do I get the propeller off the shaft without damaging anything? I removed the nut that held it but it is pretty well fused - and I am not sure banging on it with a hammer is such a great idea, is it?

[sailingdog]

You need a prop puller...

It would help if you said what boat you are doing this on, since someone here may have experience with that same boat, and may have specific advice for you regarding pulling the prop shaft.

[Freesail99]

Brak, what may you think your cutlass bearing needs replacing ? My shaft has small play and someone told me I should replace mine. I have the same issure with the rudder.

[sailingdog]

Again, Freesail99... it would help a lot if you said what kind of boat you had.

[JimsCAL]

Sounds like you have two choices: pull the prop or drop the rudder. I've changed the bearing on my boat twice in the 18 years I've owned it. I found dropping the rudder the way to go on my boat (fin keel and spade rudder).

[blt2ski]

I just replaced the cutlass bearing on my rig too, had to pull the rudder on a fin keel spade rudder. It would NOT suprise me that one would have to so teh same with a full keel even more so.

marty

[mpraca]

I had a problem with my previous boat, a Caliber 33, where the shaft could not be removed because it went straight to the skeg. I had to raise the motor and slide the shaft in.

[denby]

brak, do not hit prop with hammer. sailingdog has asked and I'm asking, what boat do you have??? also how much room do you have between the shaft and rudder? you may not have to remove shaft to change cutless. can you get a puller between prop and rudder?

Dennis

[saurav16]

My boat needs a cutlass bearing replaced too a catalina 27. I am having my yard do it. They said it would most likly be an hours labor. They have a bearing puller. I can let you know how it turns out.

[brak]

The boat is an old Hallberg-Rassy 35. After looking around her, I am absolutely certain either rudder would have to be dropped or engine come out
Can't even pull the propeller with rudder in a way, as the apperture is not big enough.

The cutless bearing has to be replaced, there is quite a bit of play in a shaft, and previous owner used some sort of "sealant" on it - so I am sure it is at its last throws.

I can figure out how to take out the main rudder stock, but the lower bearings for the rudder are a mistery - no idea how they can be taken apart (rudder stock does not go all the way through, lower bearings are separate). Sure hope the yard can figure this out.

While at that, the boat has old (12 years) Duramax dripless shaft seal. What are those things built of? Should I have it replaced after that long? If so - what are my options?