Converting Beneteau metric shaft, bearings, seals etc. to SAE.

[Swami18]

Hello,

I am new here, searched the forums and did not see any listed for conversion from metric to SAE. I am looking into the possibility of changing out my prop shaft and subsequently the seals and bearings for an SAE sized shaft. The vessel is a Beneteau Idylle 13.50 which currently has a 30mm shaft. The difficulty of finding an 18x13 RH 30mm sail style bronze prop is taking its toll as I rack up laydays in the yard here in Lauderdale.

What I would like to know is:

1. Has anyone done this?
2. Is there going to be a wrestling match to try to find a cutlass to work? The shaft log is 45mm, which is a few 100ths bigger than the 1 1/8" cutlass, and several hundredths bigger (need some machine work, and may weaken the bearing) than the 1 1/4".
3. Am I completely insane for considering this?
4. Does anyone have a 3 bladed RH 18x13 sailor prop with a 30mm taper they would ship to me in Ft. Lauderdale for a reasonable cost?

Thanks for the help!

Swami18

[S/V Alchemy]

I find it ridiculous that you can't find a shaft maker in the U.S. that can do metric. I would not advise opening the can of worms you'll find to "adapt" a metric shaft to SAE or "Imperial".

Contact these guys: Marine Machining & Manufacturing - Home They made my new shaft and I'm very pleased.

They may be able to help you, as may the closest Beneteau dealer.

The only other option would be a total redo from engine transmission to prop, and that I think you'd want to avoid.

[MarkJ]

Cant Beneteau in South (or is it North?) Carolina send you one?

BENETEAU USA

[sww914]

30mm is 1.17 inches. Get a prop with a 1" hole that you can send to a prop shop and have it rebored to 30mm. Try calling Minney's yacht Surplus, they have hundreds of used props.

[atoll]

try these guys will ship next day if they have it in stock

Lake Engineering manufacturer stern gear and marine propellers for yachts and boats.

[jcapo]

I assume you have talked to Frank and Jimmy's shop in Ft. Lauderdale.

Home: Frank & Jimmie's Propeller

[Swami18]

I am investigating plausibility of the full swap. Shaft, coupler, stuffing box, cutlass, and finally the prop. I am working with frank and jimmies -- those guys are great. Apparently, I can take a 1 1/8" x5/8" cutlass with a brass sleeve and turn it down.. Still need a reducer bushing for a 1 1/4" prop -- I require as it's 18".. I would turn down 2 extra cutlass bearings just to have aboard.

I'll try some of these retailers you have all suggested, but I have to launch in 7 days or pay exorbitant $$ while I am traveling for 2 weeks of meetings and no way to solve the problem.

I have found flexafold can send me a prop, but it's more than I planned to spend on the prop alone.

I just purchased the boat -- had I known the difficulty (read lead time) in sourcing a prop, I would have ordered one before closing and hauling.

[parado]

Im looking at replacing my prop on idylle 11.5 made in france, as I dont think im at optimum pitch - I can max rev easily with little forward speed, but it does reach 7 kts on flat water only. Any headwind, no way. I cant find any original spec for this model
His model, 1986 perkins 4-108 c\w hurth trans. I suspect previous owner swapped out original. Cavitates untill boat speed matches prop speed, so I have to watch throttle advance to not cause prop damage over time. Lots of prop walk in reverse,too

[birdsey]

I found this thread while searching for all the info I could get on my new (to me) Beneteau Idylle 13.5.

Maybe things have radically changed since this post but I found it very easy to find a 30mm prop by just googling it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=new+...shaft+sailboat

[pcmm]

Have you considered just having the prop repitched?

[birdsey]

The original post was made in Jan of 2014 so I am sure he has resolved the question for himself. I put MY response in for those that find the thread in the future while looking for information.