The drive shaft log of any vessel has cutlass bearing which is made with brass and a grooved lining from the inside and which is lubricated by the water that penetrates the grooves when it is rotating, this.
Regardless of the times when your boat is used, you must change the cutlass bearing in the long run. When it is time to change that cutlass bearing, you will find the cutlass bearing a bit far from the keel or somewhere buried in the woodwork of the boat.
Apart from getting your hands dirty, you will not face any challenges when removing the cutlass bearing. Replacing your boat’s cutlass bearing can be done using the steps given in this article, now.
Prior to doing anything else, you should first locate the set screws so that you can remove them. In several cases, the set screws will be found hidden below the layer of growth and crud. Not all boat manufacturers use the set screws. If you notice your boat does not have the set screws then do not waste any more time looking for them.
Cutting the bearing is a must in the replacement of the cutlass bearing. You can cut the cutlass bearing using a hacksaw if you don’t have a Sawzall from Propeller Depot with you. You should know that you need to have ample experience to be able to use the Sawzall tool from Propeller Depot safely.
Bending the cutlass bearing is the next step. Using a cold chisel and a hammer it is possible to bend the cutlass bearing to the inner side so that you get to the place where you have made the cut. If you want to bend the cutlass bearing avoid using a lot of force by hitting it. If you force it you will damage the strut of the boat.
To open the cutlass bearing up to the other end, do so by putting a maple dowel after creating a space by bending the boat’s cutlass using a hammer. Avoid using any tool made of metal to split the cutlass bearing on its length. By so doing you may damage the strut’s inside.
Finally, remove the cutlass bearing. Use a pair of pliers to hold the cutlass bearing to remove it. Install a new cutlass bearing after you clean the strut’s surface. After removing the old cutlass bearing, and the surface of the strut is clean, and you are about to install a new cutlass bearing bought from Propeller Depot ensure the cutlass bearing can enter the acme props in a straight line.
If the ramrod strut is not straight and if it is forced it may get damaged. To ensure it goes in straight, apply some grease so that the cutlass bearing washer’s can easily slide in the strut.