Pulling our 31

[eherlihy]

Is this the Prop strut?







If so, mine does not look anything like that.

[Flfishindude]

Yes thats the prop strut. It fell out when we pulled the prop shaft. You can see in the early pics that it was leaking around it. I think the PO added another layer of glass to try to stop the leak.

[deniseO30]

interesting install for a strut.. I thought most had bolts and plate type flange.

[germanspeed]

I am about to do the shaft,cutlass,strut,propeller job on my O'day 31....would you be willing to send me your parts list and/or the vendors you used? It would be awesome if I could use the trail you have already blazed for us.....

[Flfishindude]

I ordered the strut from Rudy at D&R. ### plan ahead on this one, it took about 3 weeks to get it because it had to be cast, they do not stock them. The new strut comes with a new cutlass installed. Everything else I got from Jimmy Bus at Boatworks. 850-785-5502. Rudy is very knowledgeable about your Oday and Jimmy is a great guy and very helpful and can get about anything else you need. If you need any other questions answered, don't hesitate to ask. As you said.... been down that trail!!

[germanspeed]

Did you have to cut the shaft to get the old one out?

[Flfishindude]

No, we uncoupled from the engine and then loosened the bolts and it came loose with a few blows with a 2 LB hammer. Because we planned to replace shaft and coupler, I wasn't concerned with damaging it with a hammer. In the overall scheme of things, the little bit extra to replace coupler, shaft and log were worth it. I know it wont be an issue for many years to come. Our strut fell out when I pulled the shaft. The only thing that kept it from hitting the ground was the bonding wire that was still attached. Check our pictures and you can see how we prepared the inside and outside and how we built it up. We put bolts in during build up and then attached washers and nuts and bonding wire when complete. So far, solid and no leaks.

[eherlihy]

To benefit from my experience, read this thread; Contemplating a drive line overhaul