Cutlass Bearing Loose

[DennisDW]

Hi All,
I'm the proud owner of a 1975 Alajuela 38. I've just pulled the cutlass bearing and the new one goes in loose. Not very loose mind you, but It shouldn't just drop it in.

The log tube is fiberglass.

So how do I tighten up the new one?

I'm thinking putting a layer of packing tape on it and then slathering it in epoxy paste and inserting it on the shaft coupled up. How about just waxing the bearing surface with the epoxy instead of the clear tape?

Is there a common way to doing this? I'm sure this is a regular problem on good old boats.
Thanks for any advice,
Dennis
S/V Maya
A-38
St. Petersburg, Fl.

[Trisailing]

I know this is an old post. But since you live in St. Pete, I would go to General Propeller in Bradenton. They have a website too. You MAY be able to get oversize Cutlass bearings that should work. Check with them. If the fit is a slipin fit but does not have any real play to it, then slather it with some 4200 and wait 3-4 days then tighten the set screws. If a lot of play get an oversize bearing. You might have to machine it to fit tight. Trisailing General Propeller Co...Your ONLY stop for Props, Shafts, and Marine Hardware

[Christian Van H]

I was thinking teflon plumbers tape...