New prop shaft needed....any suggestions?

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Matata

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Further to my thread a couple of weeks ago. The prop shaft is worn by the stern gland and some bright spark suggested moving the stern gland further along the shaft. Had a look at the shaft and the previous owner has already done this! I think I might invest in a new one. Any suggestions for good suppliers in GB? Any idea of approx cost. Approx 1metre by one inch, stainless,a taper for the prop and the associated threaded end. Thanks Nik
 
Matata said:
Further to my thread a couple of weeks ago. The prop shaft is worn by the stern gland and some bright spark suggested moving the stern gland further along the shaft. Had a look at the shaft and the previous owner has already done this! I think I might invest in a new one. Any suggestions for good suppliers in GB? Any idea of approx cost. Approx 1metre by one inch, stainless,a taper for the prop and the associated threaded end. Thanks Nik
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Any light engineering company should be able to produce something like that. I know exactly who I'd go to in SW Scotland (Kelwood Engineering) but there is bound to be someone near you. Wild guess at price: a hundred quid plus cost of the material.
 
Was considering replacing my none standard shaft to fit a feathering prop. A web search quickly provided answers to your cost question. You will need to know what taper you have if keeping the same prop as metric and imperial shafts have different standard tapers, and different threads for the nut.

However, have not made the change yet so can not recommend anyone.
 
I have a very reliable engineer who would do it for a reasonable sum if you are anywhere near the SW. Be happy to post it to you if that would help. PM me if you think I can help.
Cheers.
Nicki
 
You don't say where you are. First thing is to ask the marine engineer in a local yard where they get theirs machined. Lake Engineering in Poole and T Norris in London advertise regularly but there are many more places that will do it as they are nothing special if you have your pattern.
 
How about a complete shaft, through hull, thrust bearing, cutless bearing all in one sealed unit? with prop nut, cardan shaft coupling and adapter plate?
 
Tranona said:
there are many more places that will do it as they are nothing special if you have your pattern.
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Not quite correct. The stainless bar we used to make for shafting (sold a lot to Greece where they often have pumps at the bottom of a deep well) is produced to a much tighter straightness tolerance than the everday steel stockist material. Obviously less of an issue the shorter the shaft but I would be cautious of using a general engineer who doesnt normally work with stainless or make long shafts.
 
If it is a metric shaft Vetus sell them in various lengths and diameters. you buy the next overlength size and cut off the surplus. I have been pleased with using these shafts.
 
Matata said:
Further to my thread a couple of weeks ago. The prop shaft is worn by the stern gland and some bright spark suggested moving the stern gland further along the shaft. Had a look at the shaft and the previous owner has already done this! I think I might invest in a new one. Any suggestions for good suppliers in GB? Any idea of approx cost. Approx 1metre by one inch, stainless,a taper for the prop and the associated threaded end. Thanks Nik
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I was quoted more than £200 for a 1 inch shaft by T.Norris and Lake Engineering. I met a forumite who had the same thing made by a small firm in Bangor, North Wales, for £60. I was quoted 130 Euros for a stub shaft for my Windpilot by its makers. The firm in Bangor made me one for £15.
 
Also check out your local Hydraulic ram repairer, they often replace the long shats in rams when they are damaged or get bent.

Scrap yards also see a few of the above so also worth checking.

The end result is still enough to make up a solid rudder stock.
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Not quite correct. The stainless bar we used to make for shafting (sold a lot to Greece where they often have pumps at the bottom of a deep well) is produced to a much tighter straightness tolerance than the everday steel stockist material. Obviously less of an issue the shorter the shaft but I would be cautious of using a general engineer who doesnt normally work with stainless or make long shafts.
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Perhaps I used the term rather too loosly. All I meant to say was there are plenty of firms that can do the job and 316 stock suitable for shafts is readily available - as you see from the suggested firms here.
 
Matata said:
Further to my thread a couple of weeks ago. The prop shaft is worn by the stern gland and some bright spark suggested moving the stern gland further along the shaft. Had a look at the shaft and the previous owner has already done this! I think I might invest in a new one. Any suggestions for good suppliers in GB? Any idea of approx cost. Approx 1metre by one inch, stainless,a taper for the prop and the associated threaded end. Thanks Nik
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cost me €38 in Sevilla in 2002 for 1.2m x 25mm, with taper, thread but no nut..

In the UK I'd start with Les Hill of Lake Engineering Ltd tel 01202 621631
 
Thanks VYV that company BBH in north Wales did an excellent job, He's such a nice guy. I collected it from him at a McDonalds car park at 8 at night 'cos I couldn;t get there in the day! I measured it as 2 thou out in approx one metre which is excellent. It just popped straight in no probs. Highly recommended
 
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