[C320-list] Prop Shaft Install

[pat reynolds]

I just completed this job.  The rudder is attached by two thru bolts, one thru the quadrant and the other at the top of the rudder stock under the emergency tiller opening in the cockpit.  The quadrant is tightened by four bolts which are visible thru the rear opening in the back berth.  I removed the door and frame from this opening to get more space and opened the port back cover to get light. 
 
 Remove the four quadrant bolts.  The first time I did this they were very hard to open and I had to put a pipe extention on my rachet.  This time they were very easy.  There are also two small bolts holding the ends of the quadrant together.  Loosen or remove these.  Then remove the quadrant thru bolt.  The quadrant will slide down the stock to the rudder bearing.  
 
The only thing now holding the rudder is the top bolt in the cockpit.  You now need someone to hold onto the rudder while you remove the top bolt.  Unless you have a very strong person I would suggest two people underneath as the rudder is heavy.   I put a dock cart underneath.  (I don't know why I went into italics I must have hit the wrong key)  Anyway the job is not difficult if the bolts cooperate.  There are fiberglass bearings or bushings at the top of the stock where the top bolt runs thru.  This would be a good time to check these for wear.  When putting the rudder back up make sure the cables are properly situated on both sides of the quadrant  and on the quadrant and on the sheves (remove the cover over the sheves in the rear berth also)  My boat is a 1995

From: Charles Greenwell <CGreenwell at sparusa.com>
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com 
Sent: Sunday, May 6, 2012 5:40 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Prop Shaft Install

Hi Guys,



After reading many past postings on installing a new prop shaft without
pulling the rudder, I had to give it a try. Needless to say I was not
successful. With the rudder in palace I can insert the shaft through the
strut and get it to the shaft log opening but it is not centered on the
opening, about 2 inches left or right depending on which side of the
rudder I start with.  At this point the shaft is hard against the rudder
and I still need to go another 6 inches or so to clear the rudder.  



It might be possible to bend the shaft towards the log opening and get
it started but then there is too much pressure on the shaft and I can
not push it any further.  Tried using a hammer to bang it in but again,
no success.



So, it looks like I will need to drop the rudder and put the boat into a
sling while inserting the new shaft.  Is dropping the rudder a difficult
task?  It looks like  it would be something I could not handle alone.



Has anyone done this?



Randy

Le Bijou #719