Cutlass Bearing Set Screws exposed

[shamrock]

Hi, I own a Bristol 35.5 and the cutlass bearing is glassed into the hull as opposed to in a strut. The set crews and holes are exposed. Should these be filled in and faired or are they exposed to allow water to flow over and cool the bearing?

Thanks!

[cabo_sailor]

The set screws are not going to let any water in, that comes from the end of the cutlass bearing exposed to the sea. I lost one once when a polypropylene line from a crab pot wrapped around the shaft. Frictional heat melted the line right at the end of the cutlass bearing and didn't allow the cutlass bearing to "see" water. Frictional heat then caused the bearing to fail when it didn't get water.

On most boats I've seen the set screws are simply painted over with bottom paint. There is no need to fair them since they are ridiculously tiny. So long as they are snug, you're good to go.

[delmarrey]

If the screw heads are below the surface you can just fill the void with a plumbers putty and bottom paint over them.

If they are SS, saltwater/electrolysis will attach them.

[shamrock]

Thanks for the replys!