Replace Cutlass Bearing on a Contest 31

[gbm4th]

Does anyone have experience replace a Cutlass Bearing on a Contest sailboat. I have a 1981 Contest 31 HT and the skeg may prevent the shaft from being removed. Anyone doe this before? I could find no info on the net.

Thanks,
George

[gbm4th]

I am new to boating and just bought it Labor Day. It has been a lot of labor. I also posted at CYOC.

One gelcoat blister was seen on haul for a survey. When soda-blasted in April, thousands of gel-coat blisters. Had the gelcoat peled and I sanded the rusty iron keel and the fiberglass. Eight coats on Inter-Protect 2000 will serve as a barrier but the hull is rough and I will probably work on it when I pull it in the fall.

I as told the noise and vibration was from damaged/missing motor mounts. Had the motor mounts replaced and there is vibration above 2000 RPM. There is no side to side play in the propeller shaft but some up and down movement.

The boat is in Pasedena Maryland between Baltimore and Annapolis. There is another Contest 31 owner in North Carolina and a Contest 30 owner in Annapolis.

I will let you know what I find.

George

[xsboats]

I removed the shaft and cutlass from a Contest 33. I had to lift the engine up off of the mounts and pull the shaft forward to remove it. Feel free to contact me if you need specific questions answered. Click on my name to get my profile and contact info. Scott

[gbm4th]

Thanks for the info Scott. I will pass it along to the mechanic doing the work. I think they were hoping to slip the shaft by the skeg but I don't think that will work.
Did you need an engine hoist? Did you move the engine into the companionway?

thanks,
george

[xsboats]

I put a 6"x6" beam across the companionway . after disconnecting the fuel lines, battery cables,sending unit lines, and coolant lines I hoisted the engine up and forward using a strap type come-along winch.