[C320-list] Cutlass/Shaft/Engine Alienment

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Karl,

The cutless bearing is almost always due to engine alignment issues. Although your prop could be at issue, it is possible that whomever aligned the engine didn't do a great job. The job should be done when the boat is in the water, and at least 10 days after it is splashed if you keep the boat on the hard (given where you sail, I'd say that's a safe bet). If you have the rig tuned, this should also be done before you align the engine. The hull has a good deal of flex, and all of these impact the alignment--
Also, if the mounts are in bad shape, the engine won't stay in alignment long. Good luck...

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Karl Krueger <smoothsail282 at sbcglobal.net> 

> 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) 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>