Bent Propeller shaft strut

D

drfeno

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Joined
Jun 19, 2008
RO Number
30284
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133
Hello,

I hit something in the water about a month and a half ago. I was just hauled and had a chance to take a look at it, and it looks like my starboard shaft strut is bent inward about 1.5 inches. It looks like I'll be able to remove it since I have good access to the bolts in the engine compartment (I'll probably have the marina pull the prop)

The boat is a 1981 Silverton 31c with dual 318's. My question is has anyone dealt with either trying to find a used part of this type, or had one repaired. I've done a little preliminary research, and I'm just trying to reach out to see if anyone knows of shop and or supplier for these types of parts.

Thanks, Dave
 
Most prop shops can repair struts and shafts as well as props.
 
Not Local but knowledgeable, Keith Fenner, TurnWright machine works. www.turnwrightmachineworks.com.
 
Thanks for the info,

I checked out turn wrights website, and the guy seems like a straight shooter. I'm just beginning my research on this, maybe the marina knows a good place that they use. we'll see,
Thanks again.

Dave
 
You should file an insurance claim.

I had to replace a strut but since it was an insurance claim, I hired a pro so I'm not sure where he bought the part from.

After Sandy, I learned the prop shop not only fixed my props but my trim tab as well, they are very talented,
 
If not really mangled, the strut can be bent back into alignment ( was done on my boat long ago by the winter boatyard.) But I don't know whether it is necessary to remove it or it is done in place and whether any heat is applied.

I suspect in-place , using a 3-point clamp or long handle wrench as lever, and no beating, and no-heat and recheck fasteners after the bend and before confirming alignment at the loosened coupling. Match the angle of the other strut, and if necessary adjust the engine mounts.

Your local yard probably has the perfect clamp or other tool just for this common job.

Check the shaft runout and cutlass too. Shafts require removal to straighten correctly.
 
Thanks,

I never thought of that. I wouldn't think twice about it if I had hit something with my car. I'm waiting for a call back from the marina guy about pulling my prop for me (they're super busy right now pulling boats for the season). I'll run it by him when I talk to him.
 
I replaced my strut this year. I would recommend Atlantis propeller in Delanco, NJ. But as others noted, it may be able to be straightened. A prop shop may want the other one for comparison though or at least careful measurements of the angle.
 
My advice, after calling insurance company is to pull and check shaft in a shop, most likely it's bent.
Don't go too far into the repair, the insurance company needs to verify it is damaged by a strike. For me, I was able to send pictures, they didn't send a rep.

You can check the other shaft relatively easily. Put a fixed device between the hull and the end of the shaft (measuring stick/tape), hold it still as you spin the prop. If the distance changes, you have a bad bend. You can also do this with measuring calipers for a very fine measurement (or let the pro do it).
 
Thanks all,

It has not been disassembled yet, I did try to pull the prop myself the day I went down to look at it. I have a pretty crappy puller, but I thought I might get lucky. I was able to get the 2 nuts loosened but the prop wouldn't budge for me. The strut is definitely not mangled. To me, it looks like it could be straightened in place but I'll know more once I talk to the marina people.

Thanks
 
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