Prop shaft play - how much is okay?

[gregcope]

Hi

Boat out of water and noticed some play on the prop/shaft.

When is it time to replace the cutlass bearing?

 

[neil_s]

You might find that you don't get any problems until play is quite considerable. I had to do mine when some thumping and banging started. The wobble in the prop was about 2mm at that stage. When it gets that bad, though, it's a new shaft, too.

 

[seumask]

Greg I replace the cutlass bearing when we had more than a guesstimated 1-2mm movement pushing side to side at the prop or shaft behind the bearing. A reasonably straightforward job if you can get the right pullers and or sliders to get the Prop off and then the Cutlass bearing.
My thoughts were that it wasn't critical as it had taken over 10 years to get to this position, the prop shaft was connect by a flex drive to help iron out any small misalignment, so have a good think about it. Plenty on here about pulling props if you search.

 

[Plum]

Hi

Boat out of water and noticed some play on the prop/shaft.

When is it time to replace the cutlass bearing?

If there is 1mm of free play and it is a convenient time, I would replace it. If it is less, leave it. If it is 1mm and it is not a convenient time, based on it probably took 5 or more years to get that worn, do it the next time you lift out.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[gregcope]

Thanks all.

I need to measure it, but would assume 2-3mm up/down.

 

[oldgit]

Thanks all.

I need to measure it, but would assume 2-3mm up/down.

If you can make it clonk as you move it up and down it probably needs sorting, if you cannot get to make any noise its probably OK. ?

 

[Topcat47]

Thanks all.

I need to measure it, but would assume 2-3mm up/down.

Replace it!