Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Prop shaft removal?

the5young1z at 22/12/2011 10:49:41
Is it possible to remove the propshaft by somehow ‘moving’ the engine and gearbox rather than taking the rudder off? I may need to replace the cutlass bearing and also check the engine mounts and alignment.

George Isted at 22/12/2011 12:02:31
I’m sure that it would be possible to slide the engine/gearbox forward but given the effort to do this and then refit with correct alignment it is much easier to remove the skeg cap and rudder. There is a good technical paper on the website that shows how to remove the rudder, having done it a couple of times now it takes me no more than about 20-30 minutes.

Simon Begley at 22/12/2011 13:08:26
I did this once (because we couldn’t separate the shaft from the coupling as it had corroded together), but I wouldn’t recommend it if it can be avoided. Removing the skeg cap and rudder isn’t difficult.

moongirl at 22/12/2011 20:03:53
I have moved the engine before but only enough to allow me to change the prop without removing the rudder. In order to withdraw the propshaft you would almost have to remove the engine – possible by sliding it forward up the bearers using a ‘spanish windlass’ around the mast and front mounts and then taking the weight on the boom. However as others have said taking the rudder off is not too difficult and it would give you the opportunity of replacing the bearings while you are at it!