Hi All,
When we installed our engine (Beta 28) the guy who sold us a prop said that we need a minimum of 1/4" clearance between the cutlass bearing and the shaft zinc - which is flush up against the forward edge of the propeller.
I recently discussed with another boat owner and he figures this is much too small, as the engine might ride forward slightly on its mounts when underway, causing the zinc to rub up against the cutlass bearing, restricting water flow and causing all sorts of problems.
In the "acceptable clearances" section of this link it recommends at least 1/2 inch for a smaller engine than ours.
Parts
Any experts out there who can set me straight here? I haven't been able to find much online at all. My prop sits in an extrusion with no strut at all. Total shaft length is very short, approximately 24 inches.
Thanks.
When we installed our engine (Beta 28) the guy who sold us a prop said that we need a minimum of 1/4" clearance between the cutlass bearing and the shaft zinc - which is flush up against the forward edge of the propeller.
I recently discussed with another boat owner and he figures this is much too small, as the engine might ride forward slightly on its mounts when underway, causing the zinc to rub up against the cutlass bearing, restricting water flow and causing all sorts of problems.
In the "acceptable clearances" section of this link it recommends at least 1/2 inch for a smaller engine than ours.
Parts
Any experts out there who can set me straight here? I haven't been able to find much online at all. My prop sits in an extrusion with no strut at all. Total shaft length is very short, approximately 24 inches.
Thanks.