I am totally unfamiliar with these set-ups but I'll say what I would probably do. Since these bearings are 3 1/2'', I assume that is considered enough support. Install the piece flush with one end or the other. If you are concerned about crud build-up, fashion a wood or nylon bushing to press in there. Of course, another member may source the longer piece but if it is available one would think that the previous owner would have installed one.

 

You may be limited to what you can procure. If you have to chose which end to flush, consider support for the prop which is why the bearing is there. It may wear out a bit quicker that a longer one and may catch abrasives a bit so now is the time to whip up a split pipe/threaded rod/nuts/washers pusher out unit for the next time it needs replacing.

 

Modify the bracket?

Cut ½" off the length on either side - essentially trim the strut to fit the bearing. From your picture in the other thread, it looks like this could be done.

[EDIT]Although if it were my boat, I would seriously consider removing the strut, and having it bored so that you could increase the diameter of the shaft to 1" so that you could get a bearing to fit. That's a beefy looking bearing housing.

 

I couldn't find an exact fit for my Santana, so I went for the next size up. I didnt worry about cutting the bearing down, because it doesnt really matter if the bushing sticks out of the bracket a bit. In my case I believe it protrudes from the bracket by about 1/8" on each end. I installed it about 5 years ago, and when I hauled the boat before selling last fall it was still in excellent condition.

In your case, if you can't find one long enough, I would just get the longest one you can, and press it in flush with the leading end of the bracket. The water flow through the channels of the bearing should flush out any silt. I wouldn't mess around with trying to align 2 bearings together because if you are just a little bit off you will restrict water flow through the channels.

As long as your prop shaft is straight and your prop is balanced there isnt a lot of axial load on the bearing, that's why they can make them out of rubber.

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Learn what companies make these bearings......and call them.

 

Just use the longest you can find. OK it might not last quite as long but cutlass bearings are service items.

Don't sweat the small stuff and go sailing.

 

Just use the longest you can find. OK it might not last quite as long but cutlass bearings are service items.

Don't sweat the small stuff and go sailing.

I hear you on that, I think I obsess too much on perfection with mechanical things (possibly because I was originally trained as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer).

I ordered the shorter one, it worked before, I'm sure it will work again. Pulling the propshaft and old bearing literally took less than 30mins (and it was the first time I had done it) so even if this wears prematurely it's a minor inconvenience to change during the winter haulout. Thanks everyone

 

Several years ago I purchased replacements for the shaft, cutlass bearing and engine flange from Marine Machining in Michigan. If it exists likely they'll have it, if not they probably can make it.
https://www.marinemachining.com/shafting

 

Would not the designer of the boat/running gear have designed the strut to the length they did for a reason ? IE support of the shaft ! if you modify the strut could you not weaken the bearing area ! To cut an inch of the length of the bearing/strut tube, with out getting technical advise seems difficult to comprehend ! Not saying, just saying !

 

More likely the strut was chosen by the builder based on a variety of reasons, such as price and availability. There is no significant load on the cutlass bearing, and I'm sure not a lot of engineering went into it.

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Seems like a lot of hand wringing to me .Back before internet it was common to turn down a block of green arbutus, drill it and drive it home, install the shaft. Mind you we were only dealing with fishboats .only a couple of hundred of horsepower on about 2" shafts where a failure could cost a season. Would last just fine but we hauled each spring for paint and a looksee.

 

Capt Len may not realize that arbutus trees don't grow where you are Guy, a sturdy chunk of oak should do the trick though.

 

Thanks everyone. I usually check sailnet when I can't find a solid answer or part # just in case I'm missing something. In this case I have little to no interest in modifying my boat. To cut 2 cutlass and try to add in the extra to make up the inch just adds new potential issues and modifying-my driveline is a bit too much for what I'm looking to do. The 3.5in one is on order and hopefully I can replace it next week on arrival. Only 4 more months to sailing season!

 

Hello, Guy - hope you're well, still have the Mirage? We're hauling in a few weeks and I have the drivetrain on the to-do list including replacing the cutlass/cutless bearing. How did you make out with your replacement, did everything go OK, and if so can you let advise where you procured your bearing from? Thanks!