Pageant/Centaur Cutless Bearing Replacement

[mickywillis]

I'm about to replace the cutless bearing in my Pageant (design similar to Centaur)
I think I remember a DIY How To in either PBO or ST mag, but can't find the issue-does anyone know which mag and issue it was in?
As my Pageant was built in 1970, I'm assuming its an imperial 1" shaft fitted, but when I measure with a digital caliper at the point where the bearing exits, I get 24.5 mm 9or 0.95 inches). I can see that this area has worn slightly, so can I assume that the shaft length is consistant along its length? (in which case i can measure the unworn section inside the boat)
Secondly, the 2 bolts that were removed from the bearing carrier, that enter into the hull, 1 came out easily (the bottom one) and the top one was a problem to remove. Any ideas what these bolts fit onto? Are they captive nuts (ie glassed into the GRP) or do they fit onto some sort of captive bracket, which fits around the shaft? I can't see this area from inside the boat as it appears to be under the fuel tank. Will I need to remove the tank to ensure correct fitment of the bolts when refitted or is there an easier way? The bearing carrier is threaded, so I think the bolts are a security measure to prevent the carrier unscrewing.
Any help gratefully received or if there's a website with photos/diagrams which you can direct me to, I'd appreciate it.
Can't seem to find anything on the web about Westerly bearing replacement??

 

[philip_stevens]

All this info has been discussed over and over on the Westerly yahoo groups Discussion Group.

If you join in (see my signatures), you can access the archives and read all that has been posted over the years.

As for Cutlass bearings, go to Trafalgar Yacht Services, also known as www.westerly-yachts.co.uk, who can advise you on sizes, and hold various spares for all Westerly yachts.

 

[Bilgediver]

I'm about to replace the cutless bearing in my Pageant (design similar to Centaur)
I think I remember a DIY How To in either PBO or ST mag, but can't find the issue-does anyone know which mag and issue it was in?
As my Pageant was built in 1970, I'm assuming its an imperial 1" shaft fitted, but when I measure with a digital caliper at the point where the bearing exits, I get 24.5 mm 9or 0.95 inches). I can see that this area has worn slightly, so can I assume that the shaft length is consistant along its length? (in which case i can measure the unworn section inside the boat)
Secondly, the 2 bolts that were removed from the bearing carrier, that enter into the hull, 1 came out easily (the bottom one) and the top one was a problem to remove. Any ideas what these bolts fit onto? Are they captive nuts (ie glassed into the GRP) or do they fit onto some sort of captive bracket, which fits around the shaft? I can't see this area from inside the boat as it appears to be under the fuel tank. Will I need to remove the tank to ensure correct fitment of the bolts when refitted or is there an easier way? The bearing carrier is threaded, so I think the bolts are a security measure to prevent the carrier unscrewing.
Any help gratefully received or if there's a website with photos/diagrams which you can direct me to, I'd appreciate it.
Can't seem to find anything on the web about Westerly bearing replacement??

The shaft is probably 1 " and even gunmetal or phosphore bronze if original. The bolts are there to stop the carrier unscrewing and so ensure a seal is made to the hull. The nuts are captive under the fuel tank however you may be able to slide the fuel tank forwards enough to get down there. To much force my release one of the captive nuts.

Check the shaft has no signs of deterioration just where it enters the cutless.

 

[freebird1]

Why do you want the P Bracket off Micky? Use a puller to drag the old bearing out and go to Trafalgar Yacht Services to get replacement. Ten minute job once you have (or make) a puller. Your shaft was probaly 25mm and has worn a bit. over the last 40 years.

Neil

 

[ianat182]

The upper and lower bolts from the cutless bearing housing go through the flange of the brass sterntube ,one upper and a lower one.. The lower nut is a b-------r to tighten and this is because the stern tube takes up the room needed to get a box spanner to it .I have a persistant drip from this area on my boat and as its due for another scrub , I'll tackle it again.
A spanner that is bent edgeways into a 'C' shape is what I'll have to use so that it goes around the outside of the sterntube and gives some purchase to tighten it.
I bedded the two bolts with Sikaflex from the outside to stop leaks but obviously the bolt at the bottom is not tight enough,so needs to be redone.

Your shaft is almost certainly a 1" job(25.4mm) and if a bit worn at the stuffing box will be sealed with the new sterngland packing, and greaser. The packing is usually1/4" PTFE impregnated material nowadays and very durable, just don't overtighten the castellated clamp nut,and make sure there is plenty of grease in the packing, and the greaser. Half a turn of the greaser before each trip is sufficient,and when leaving the boat for a long period afloat.
Hope this helps

ianat182

 

[mickywillis]

Thanks all.
I removed the bearing from the stern tube and pulled out what appears to be a lead material bearing, with an outside diameter of 29.5mm and a length of 62.7mm.
The inside of the bearing/bush looks fairly worn, so I'm assuming I'm looking at replacing it with a 25mm inside dia. x 30mm outside dia x 65mm length one.
See pic and let us know if you think I'm barking up the correct tree!!

 

[ianat182]

Yes that's the bearing housing.
Some of these have a grub screw on the barrel part of the housing that holds the insert itself in place, clean it up and make sure before trying to drift the old insert out.
Take the housing with you to whichever dealer you go.
Some of the inserts need a press to fit them, others are a clearance fit with the grub-screw retainer.
Depending on your location try googling for alternative suppliers and prices for the size you have; not all are the white metal that you have there, some are Tufnol and others of a durable rubber type material,with flutes for water lubrication,all are OK.

ianat182

 

[NickNap]

re cutless bearing

Second all the info above, esp re talking to Trafalgar. My Pageant is 72 and has a 1" shaft
Nick

 

[Bilgediver]

Thanks all.
I removed the bearing from the stern tube and pulled out what appears to be a lead material bearing, with an outside diameter of 29.5mm and a length of 62.7mm.
The inside of the bearing/bush looks fairly worn, so I'm assuming I'm looking at replacing it with a 25mm inside dia. x 30mm outside dia x 65mm length one.
See pic and let us know if you think I'm barking up the correct tree!!

You originally suggested your shaft was 1" IE 25.4MM Did you find it was 25MM which suggests it is a new shaft installed at some time????

You will not get a 25mm or 2.5.4mm Cutless to fit in 30 mm bore but there should be enough material for a machine shop to bore out the housing to the required smallest size of around 34mm.

See here for sizes from one company.

http://www.lakesterngear.co.uk/bearing.html