cutlass bearing on 1968 Islander 33

[Sabreman]

I guess it is attached from inside the boat and pushes the bearing out toward the prop.

I did a quick web search for a '68 Islander 33 but didn't find one so I'm not sure if your boat is a full keel. From your statement, I suspect that it may be. If so, then the press won't work as far as I know.

For fin keeled boats with a spade rudder, the press attaches forward of the prop strut with an attachment on the aft side to hold it. It looks something like a pipe cut in half with a hydraulic ram. I can't find a photo of it in use.

For a full keeled boat, I'm not sure how the bearing would be extracted. It's possible that it can be used from withing the boat, but it's best for a yard to determine. If so, the labor shouldn't be much.

Good luck. Sorry if I misled you.

[Rockter]

On my ship, the cutlass bearing sticks out of the end of the stern plate. Last time I put a big pipe wrench on it and some WD40. It has a lock screw you take out first. Maybe I just got lucky.

[Lotsawater]

I'm fairly sure the boat is a swept semifull keel with attached rudder. This site won't allow me to send photo or link until I've posted 10 times. ...but i"ll try again, maybe this evening.

Thinking about having half an inch protruding beyond the sern tube, I see no reason why this would cause any problems, and could make the next cutlass change easier. ...hmmm....

[Lotsawater]

I've been talking to friends here in Key west about the cutlass bearing, as well as reading responses here on this list. I found a helpfull suggestion from a local sailor tonight, regarding pulling the shaft without removing the rudder. He said the rudder could be notched out to pass the shaft out. Patching the rudder would be a better than cutting the end of the stern tube and patching it. The stern tube is so important for holding the shaft, and I don't want it cut and patched.

So most likely, we will remove the shaft (notch rudder if necessary and patch), remove cutlass bearing using the hacksaw / cold chisel method, or hydraulic press method. I still have to learn more about the hydraulic press and if it will work on my boat. I guess it depends on the type of keel / rudder.

Here is a link to a photo of an Islander 33 (not my boat, but hull is the same).



...I tried to send the link but sailnet won't allow until I've posted 5 more times. Maybe seperating the link will work. (try adding the usual prefix to the following) sailingtexas.com/sislander33100.html

[gtod25]

The Downeaster - Down East Yachts

Like a lot of things in life, once you've done it once its no big deal.

Have Fun

Gerry