Cutless bearing. - To change or not to change

[Hurricane]

Sorry to sound stupid but could someone explain what a cutlass bearing is? i assume its the bearing that the shaft sits in as it goes through the hull and into the gearbox?

I clearly am not technical but often peoples explinations here are better than i can find on google as they are less technical!

Quick Google

These are cutlass bearings

And this is where they go on the P Brackets
There is also one where the shaft passes through the hull (in or around the stern gland

Hope that helps

EDIT
And here's a photo of a guy having trouble getting one out!!!!

 

[z1ppy]

Perfect. thank you!

as i have only had outboard or outdrive drive boats this is all new but picture paints a thousand words!

 

[Bandit]

Also called cutless bearings