cutlass bearings

[Dennis]

I have a 29 open and the cutlass bearings are starting to go bad. Has anyone replaced them or had them replaced and was wondering on what the cost was?

[Bdagold]

Hello Dennis,

I had my cutlass bearings changed about two years ago by a friend of mine. All I did was purchase the bearings ($210.00 each in Bermuda) and I watched how he did it. Of course the props must be removed to replace the cutlass bearings. First he removed the allen keys from the support strut. Due to the age of the boat, one had to be drilled out. He had a special type of puller/pusher that he placed around the shaft, which when tightened, pushed the cutlass bearing out. To put the new bearing back in, he just reversed the procedure. I hope that this helps and good luck. Richard:001_cool:

[Artcruise]

Hi Dennis,

I replaced my cutlass bearings on a 360 Convertible a couple of months ago and there are some tricks that will make it easier. First off, most yards will not give you a firm price because sometimes this is a relative easy process, other times it can take virtually hours if the bearing gets stubborn.

First the bearing removal tool is almost always a neccessity.

After removing the allen set screws and putting the tool in place, it is best to heat the strut using a good torch.

Once you get the old cutlass out, use a hacksaw to cut about a 1.5 inch piece of the old bearing and then split that piece in half. Take these two half pieces and slide them around the shaft behind the strut and tap them back into the back side of the tube to center the shaft in the strut.

Take the new baerings and freeze them by placing in a freezer for at least 24 hours before installing. If you don't have a freezer near the boat, a small cooler and some dry ice works well.

Once again, heat the bearing housing on the strut. Remove the cutlass bearing from the cooler place on shaft and slide it in place as quickly as possible. Hint use leather gloves to handle the cold bearing (especially if you use dry ice) - have a two by four and a small sledge hammer to tap the bearing in place do not hit the beaing directly with the hammer.

My bearings were stuck. It took me about two hours to get each bearing out and about two minutes to put each new bearing back in. Also-----Make sure that the boat is well supported before you start working underneath.

This job is not really difficult if you have the right tools - especially the bearing puller. Tool that I used was a Strut Pro -http://www.strutpro.com .

Good Luck
Art

[flydiver]

art
what was the cost of the tool to remove and install the bearings

[Artcruise]

I was fortunate and was able to borrow the tool from my marina. When I checked I think the tool was about $400 for a select shaft diameter and around $700 for the kit to do a variety of shafts. Check local marinas, especially any DIY yards to see if you can rent the tool.

When you look to buy the bearing check out Deep Blue Yacht Supply - bearing cost under $100 each.

[Dennis]

Thanks I will try to borrow one first.