[C320-list] Dripless shaft???

[Joe Luciano]

Changing the bellows at 6 years is a pretty conservative recommendation from the manufacturer, which is likely consistent with their business model.  I clean mine annually and inspect it thoroughly at each haul out, prepared to change it if I see any signs of deterioration.  Mine is 13 years old now and still looks like it did when it was installed.  I will likely change it at the next haul out being rather conservative myself.  I have the vented model which only requires burping after a haul out.  I also have used the Association’s cutlass bearing tool to replace my cutlass bearing a few years ago.  It works great and makes the job pretty easy.  Best of luck and fair winds!

Joe Luciano

Second Wind
2005 Catalina 320
 
> On Aug 5, 2018, at 9:47 AM, P.F. Ross <pfrstl at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi, Jeff,
> 
> Welcome to the list.  A good idea to change your bellow if you do not know
> the history of it.  PYI recommends every 6 years.
> 
> While I am not at my boat, I replaced my PSS shaft seal bellows a couple of
> years ago and was able to move the shaft far enough aft with no problem
> (without removing cutlass bearing).  I did not realign the shaft after
> replacement but noted that both shaft and engine flanges were visually
> quite parallel and that the shaft was centered in the log (this before
> final fitment of the bellows over the log).
> 
> I used PYI maintenance kit part number 07-100-112R, which would indicate
> the log has a diameter of 1-1/2" to 1-5/8".  However, please remember I am
> not at the boat and so cannot verify the log diameter by measuring.  I do
> recall my shaft size is 1".  Also note that this kit part number is for the
> old style, non-vented bellows, not sure but the vented ones may take a
> different part number.
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> Frank Ross
> Beta Wave, #206
> Naples, FL
> 
> On Sun, Aug 5, 2018 at 10:43 AM, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:
> 
>> To all. I am new to the list so be gentle with me today. I have borrowed
>> the Association’s cutless bearing tool and I plan to change the bearing
>> this week. A friend mentioned that I should also change my dripless
>> bellows. A few quick questions:
>> 
>> 1. Is it easy to pull the shaft out far enough to change the bellows? I
>> read Jeff Hare’s supplement to the instructions, but I thought I would see
>> if anyone here has done the procedure using the tool. Do I need to worry
>> about shaft alignment when reconnecting? I have read the manual about the
>> tight tolerances.
>> 2. Does anyone know the shaft size and the stern tube diameter? I believe
>> the shaft size is 1”, but I am not sure of the stern tube. I need these to
>> order from PYI. I live 3.5 hours from my boat, so it is not as easy as
>> driving down to the marina and measuring. I had hoped to order it and have
>> it in hand before I get to the marina, but I guess I could have them
>> overnight it to me at the yard.
>> 
>> I plan to do the bottom, change the cutless (and maybe the bellows), and
>> service the folding prop, to maximize the fees for haul out.
>> 
>> Thanks in advance.
>> 
>> Jeff Smith
>> S/V Sailmates
>> 1994 Hull #121
>> 
>> 
>>