[C320-list] Propeller Shaft

[Jeff Hare]

I guess it's all a matter of degrees.  But here's my take.  Sorry it's long.

That propeller shaft is probably approaching 22 years of service now.  I'm
assuming it hasn't been replaced because if it had, it would likely already
be stainless steel.

No your prop shaft isn't likely to break off, but hitting a or something or
wrapping a line while motoring with a heavy prop is a little more likely to
bend a bronze prop shaft than a Stainless one.

The bronze prop shaft does have more flex than stainless.  That doesn't
matter much at all when you have a properly aligned engine/shaft and in
smooth water.  However under hard load of bumpy seas, you are putting lots
of uneven loading on the engine and will get more shaft whip.  You should
see what's happing to your prop shaft in those crazy conditions sometime.
(probably lose your cookies with your head stuck under the bunk in those
conditions, but that's another matter.  :) 

So, in my opinion, if you're changing your prop to a heavier one, you should
replace your cutlass bearing anyway (unless you just did it) because you
don't want ANY play to make the shaft whip worse.  Once the cutlass bearing
is out, there's no better time to do the driveline maintenance.  

So, upgrade the prop shaft, replace the shaft log, repack the stuffing box
with GFO (dripless) and pop in a new cutlass bearing and you're all set for
the next 15 years at least (with normal maintenance of course), right?

So what does all that cost?  Well, you're already into the prop for $2K at
least. A new prop shaft, shaft log and cutlass bearing is another ~$400.  At
this point the labor cost to install those is by far the cheapest it'll ever
be to do any of this work.  Why not do the job now on *your schedule* and be
happy with all that work behind you rather than wait until the boat decides
to have a problem on *It's schedule* right before you head out on vacation
or already out there?   My boat normally breaks when I'm out there using it,
not when I'm sitting at the dock (well, except for lightning. Lightning
broke my boat when it was sitting at the dock...so there's that.) :/

Cheers!
-Jeff Hare
#809


-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jeff
Smith
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 6:41 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Propeller Shaft

My C320 came with a Maxprop on a bronze shaft. The previous owner told me he
thought about converting to SS to reduce the possibility of corrosion. I
have not heard anyone worry about the shaft breaking from the weight of the
prop, though.

I serviced the prop and changed the cutless bearing last fall (thanks
association for making the tools available) and I did not think paying an
extra $300 would be worth it to get a SS shaft. You will love the prop,
though.

For what it is worth.

Jeff
'94, #121

Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of John
Anderson <jaanderson627 at hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 5:39:00 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Propeller Shaft

Roger,

I have a 2003 Catalina 36 MKII. The previous owner installed a Max Prop on
the original 1" bronze shaft. I believe the shaft had to be shortened a bit.
As far as I know, it is still down there.

Unless your shaft is in bad shape already (which it may be), I don't think
you'll have any problems with the bronze shaft. Be sure to check the cutless
bearing and engine alignment.

The Max Prop works great! You're going to love it!

Regards,
John Anderson
Swellville, Catalina 36 MKII
Pasadena MD

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Roger Nitkin
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 3:16 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Propeller Shaft

I recently purchased a new Max Prop feathering propeller to replace the
original 2-blade fixed on my 1997 C-320.
My mechanic says it's too heavy for the original bronze prop shaft, which
could snap under the weight and strain and dump my new prop into Davy
Jones's Locker.
He suggests I replace the shaft with a new Stainless Steel one.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this ?

Roger Nitkin
Summer Time
Westport Ct
1997 #429