[C320-list] Cutlass/Shaft/Engine Alienment

[bruceheyman at cox.net]

Karl,
I wonder if a propeller shop can spin the propeller to see if it is ballanced, same way they check tires.  Also I've read that the clearance between the strut and propeller hub can't be too long with folding props as it can put too much stress on the cutlas bearing.  Lastly when I replaced my bearing the shop forman says he sees yamars in catalina's go threw them in no time.  He says it is because the motor mounts are too soft.  You can get the shaft lined up but after you get up to cruising RPM it will be way out of alignment.  Yanmar recognised the issue a few years ago and they now offer two motor mounts, soft and stiff.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal
Sent via BlackBerry from Cingular Wireless  

-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Krueger <smoothsail282 at sbcglobal.net>
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:15:39 
To:C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.org>
Subject: [C320-list] Cutlass/Shaft/Engine Alienment

Hello All:
   
  Cutlass bearing needs replacing, second time in three years.  I've owned the boat for five years. It's a 1995 vintage & I'm the second owner.
   
  Previous owner had one motor mount replaced and had the engine aliened at that time.  The previous owner owned the boat for 8 years and never had the cutlass replaced.
   
  The boat yard mechanic thinks the problem is with the prop, which is a two bladed folding prop.  I still have the original bronze shaft which the mechanic tested & states is straight.  The only difference between now and the previous owner is the prop which was the first change I made on the boat, before my 1st launch, I replacing the original Michigan prop with the folding prop.  
   
  I've sent an email to the Rep from Flex-O-Fold yesterday for recommendation but, it's Sunday & I haven't heard from him yet.  
   
  Any suggestions or recommendations?
   
  Karl Krueger (Kindred Spirit, #282, Milwaukee, WI)