cutlass bearings

[rkane]

Can anyone give me an idea of what warning signs to look for to check if the cutlass bearings have been damaged by rope / net. We got a piece of what seems to have been loose net around the prop - it doesn't seem to have gone further forward along the shaft though. The boat's in the water at the moment and hauling her out to have a look would be quite awkward-especially before continuing our passage during the good weather forecast this week. Is it right that a leak would be an early sign? I've got my fingers crossed that it is as (at the moment!) we don't have one of those! Thanks for your help in advance - and please try not to be too frightening!

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[AndrewB]

It is unlikely that the cutlass bearing would be seriously damaged by net around the prop. The bearing is water cooled and so leaking isn't an issue, they are designed that way. A more likely risk is damage to the prop, prop-shaft, gear-box, couplings or engine mounts if the net caused the shaft to stop turning abruptly.

If you are seeing increased leaking at the stern gland, and if there are signs of increased vibration, then the most likely possibilities are a chipped propellor or the shaft has been put out of alignment, possibly slightly bent. This must be dealt with at some time but you should be able to continue for the time being if it isn't too bad, at risk of causing premature wear to the cutlass bearing.

If you are seeing signs of any leaking inside the yacht coming from the area where the stern tube exits, or where (if you have one) the P-bracket attaches, then the shaft bracket may have been wrenched. That is definitely a case for immediate investigation.

 

[charles_reed]

Re: cutless bearings

I seriously doubt that you'll have any damage to the cutless bearing - however from bitter experience I would check the following:-

1. The connection of prop-shaft to gearbox. This is usually a clamp with 4 or 6 Allen keys sockets. Check that the shaft has not been moved out of the coupling and that the shaft is still firmly clamped.

2. I don't know if you have a separate thrust bearing, which takes the thrust of the propellor onto a firm hull-mounting. Check this if fitted.

3. Check that the bellows of your water seal gaiter moves freely and there is no excessive leakage. If you have a packed bearing there should be a drop of water every second or so under power.

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