CD27 Cutless Bearing and Packing Gland

[Mike Raehl]

I noticed yesterday that the prop shaft on my CD27 is slightly loose in the cutless bearing. How can I tell if the cutless bearing and/or the prop shaft needs to be replaced and would tightening the packing gland provide a partial or temporary fix? In the event the cutless bearing needs to be replaced, can someone point me to a thread or project log that describes the methods and scope of the project. Don't want to tackle a big project right now but I need to understand the issues so I can get a yard quote while on the hard and to plan for fall layup.

[Russell]

If you can grab the prop shaft (from the outside of the boat) and move it side to side at all, the bearing is worn.

[Steve Laume]

When I had Raven's engine out a few years ago I decided there was no better time to replace the cutless bearing. There didn't seem to be much movement but I was surprised at how badly it was worn. This is one of those items, that if it seems like it might need to replaced it definitely does. I changed the engine mounts at the same time so it is hard to tell how much effect the new bearing had but I have much less vibration now.

Tightening the packing gland will do nothing to help with shaft movement and could cause problems if it is too tight. It should drip a bit when the engine is running.

I am not sure how bad it might be and weather going another season would be a problem. I can certainly understand why you would want to put it off at this time, Steve.

[Gary H]

I just replaced mine on a CD22D, while I had the engine removed. Also replaced the shaft and the shaft log hose - hoping that I will not need to see the engine removed again. I cannot imagine replacing the bearing with the shaft in place although I am certain that others have.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/replacing_a_cutlass