Stern tube damage

[Mike Thompson]

I have a CD-28 1977 with a fiberglass stern tube. At high revs against tide and strong headwind a horrible
noisy vibration occurred which stopped when I slowed down. Now with the boat on the hard and the
bilge drained, it is possible to see that the stern tube where it enters the aft end stuffing box
is turning into a fibrous mush but amazingly does not leak Has anyone experienced this?

Has anyone had to replace a fiberglass stern tube?

Mike

[mgphl52]

I have to answer "No." to both questions but I believe the problem came from mushy engine mounts...
When the engine/tranny can move about, you're going to get vibration and lots of wear! I'm surprised the cutlass wasn't leaking (unless you have a drip-less seal).

[jbenagh]

I can't help with the vibration issue but a few years back I had the stern tube on my CD30 crack. It was inside the boat just past where the tube entered the hull. Mine was a mush of glass and resin back there too. The solution was to pull the engine, glass over the cracked tube and then reinforce the end of the tube so it wouldn't do it again. I had heard from a CD28 owner who had external cracks near the cutless bearing so I tried that first, to no avail. Here's some old posts:

http://capedory.org/board/viewtopic.php ... 30#p190903
http://capedory.org/board/viewtopic.php ... 45#p191395

I hope you don't have this problem

Jeff

[JD-MDR]

After replacing the shaft and bearing. when launched my 30 'er leaked really bad. The boatyard couldn't see where it was coming from and figured it was from the shaft log. First they tried to repair it. After the second launch attempt and still leaking . They had to pull the engine and replace the FRP tube.I'm really glad they did that. I was by informed SOA members that it is a poor design and I was lucky it happened at the dock and not at sea. The yard wondered about all the mush that it was packed in they referred to it as bog. I think it cost me about $5000, not sure. Photo of the finished job Packing gland not in yet.

[kerrydeare]

I have a CD-28 1977 with a fiberglass stern tube ... it is possible to see that the stern tube where it enters the aft end stuffing box is turning into a fibrous mush ... Has anyone had to replace a fiberglass stern tube? ...

It is more than just possible that the GRP tube is gone. In fact after all these years is very likely. You need to replace the old tube with a bronze (or similar) tube that will accept a new cutlass bearing. FWIW I know this from nearly 40 years experience with the same model boat. Unfortunately this is one of those jobs that we as amateurs should leave to the professionals. The company originally used a fixed mount cutlass bearing and that is really why it will not work in the long run. You must change out the gear and use a PSS or similar cutlass replacement in order to get a proper and safe system.

If you need additional information, send email or similar.

[John Stone]

Unfortunately this is one of those jobs that we as amateurs should leave to the professionals.

It takes all my strength not to comment about leaving it to the professionals....

[Sea Hunt Video]

John:

I sent you a PM.

[John Stone]

John:

I sent you a PM.

Roberto, back at ya.

[John Stone]

I think it cost me about $5000....

OMG! Every time I start thinking about installing an inboard in the FR one of y’all post something like this and all I hear in my head is “abort, abort, abort!”

[Frenchy]

Fiberglass stern tubes are not all destined to become mush, in my very unprofessional opinion. All they require is
an aligned running gear, good engine mounts and a skipper who is mindful of unusual noises. A bronze
stern tube is nice, but won't be any good with a crooked, angled or bent prop shaft. As for fiberglass repairs, almost
anyone can learn, even a dolt like myself. -Jean

[JD-MDR]

I think it cost me about $5000....

OMG! Every time I start thinking about installing an inboard in the FR one of y’all post something like this and all I hear in my head is “abort, abort, abort!”

I found the invoice:
Remove running gear and remove engine 843.75
Fiberglass in new shaft log 2632.50
Reinstall running gear and engine and align engine 1248.75
TOTAL $4725

San Francisco Boatyards all charge about $135 hr.

[John Stone]

I think it cost me about $5000....

OMG! Every time I start thinking about installing an inboard in the FR one of y’all post something like this and all I hear in my head is “abort, abort, abort!”

I found the invoice:
Remove running gear and remove engine 843.75
Fiberglass in new shaft log 2632.50
Reinstall running gear and engine and align engine 1248.75
TOTAL $4725

San Francisco Boatyards all charge about $135 hr.

That’s eye opening. I have 6000 hours building the FR. At $135 an hour...well, let’s see that’s about...oh my gosh...$810,000...in just labor. Hahahaha. That’s why we need to do this stuff ourselves—if we have the tools, are patient, disciplined, etc.

Sorry for the thread drift.

[JD-MDR]

Yea but “Far Reach” is a priceless masterpiece. $800g’s should be a bargaim

[mgphl52]

Yea but “Far Reach” is a priceless masterpiece. $800g’s should be a bargaim

Ain't that the truth!!!

[John Stone]

Yea but “Far Reach” is a priceless masterpiece. $800g’s should be a bargaim

Ain't that the truth!!!

Well I appreciate that. But if you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you’re just dying to make an offer anywhere close to that amount you need to run, not walk, to a phone and call me right away.