stiff propshaft bearings... is this normal

[paulsmith]

(Since buying my Westerly griffon 2 months ago its been on hardstanding.)I've noticed that the propshaft has become more difficult to turn, and when trying to rotate the prop a squeek can be heard in the p bracket bearing. I know this is water lubricated and I understand it is a fairly recently replaced part by the previous owner so maybe its a bit tight and needs 'running in' (It would of been fitted professionaly.) If I run a hoseepipe over the bearing it frees of to a degree but is not as free as everyone elses.Is it adjustable, is it normal to become tight as the boat dries out or do I just worry to much?
Paul

 

[sailorman]

worry too much,
the cold grease in the "stuffing-box" will add to the general tightness of the shaft.

the cutlass bearing in the "P" bracket is not adjustable but should fit snugly when its inserted, not loose

 

[david_bagshaw]

I agree with sailor mann, Bearing dries & goes squeaky, .

Dont forget will be stiffer than if you had motored to slip & immediately lifted. a good sign to be slightly stiffer than others, at least it was renewed.

 

[seamking]

Hi paul
I allso have a Westerly Griffon like yourself which when I bought in
the Channel Islands four years ago had a prop shaft that was tight in the rubber
cutlass bearing but knowing that the previous owner had replaced this I
was not too concerned as I thought it would run in.
But four years later and one and a halve times round the uk it is still the same, when it is lifted from the water it is firm to turn and gets tighter when it dries out I am no longer concerned as I just consider it a good fit'

Richard.