Worn Propeller Shaft - Replace or Repair

[jskrypek]

The previous owner of my Bayfield 29 never replaced the cutless bearing and now the shaft is worn down in that area. I can't tell how much is worn but I can see a slight neck on the shaft where it is worn down and can feel the groove. It is about 2 1/2" long. Is this repairable or does the shaft need to be replaced? Where would I purchase a new one in Ontario or the US.

Thanks.

John

[DeepFrz]

Some shafts are reversible so you may be lucky and you may be able to swap it end for end. If it is reversible and the wear point doesn't end up where your shaft log seals against the shaft you are set to go. Else you will need to replace.

[jskrypek]

Unfortunately it is a tapered shaft at the end so not reversible.

[tallyhorob]

replacing is the way to go, you could have it welded up and then grind it down. Not sure what would be cheaper where you are. A lot of metel and die stamping shops are hurting for work you might get it done cheaper. Whats the cost of a new shaft?

[DeepFrz]

Propeller shafts are tapered on the prop end, and some are also tapered at the transmission end. If it is tapered at both ends it may be reversible.

[jskrypek]

I'm pretty sure it's straight on the transmission end. I'll take the coupling off to make sure.

[Fiveslide]

I've had one welded then machined back to spec. It was done by a friend and didn't cost anything for me to have it done. But if this repair is any cheaper than the retail price of a replacement I don't see the need for a new shaft just as long as there isn't anything else wrong with the old one.

If others have tried this and it hasn't worked out for them I would listen to what they had to say. But I had not problems.

Good luck.

[goldbeard]

Bring the shaft to a prop/shaft shop. If they are good they won't charge for an assessment. It can be difficult to check things out without machines. Now is a good time to save yourself time and money. Do things right the first time. They can give you options, most likely as follows:

Options
1 new shaft
2 weld and machine old shaft
3 machine old shaft in the bearing area and step down a cutlass bearing size(least favorite option)

BUT, the worn shaft may be only one problem. If the previous owner didn't replace the bearing it is probable he didn't check the engine/shaft coupling alignment.

Many if not most of cutlass bearing, transmission bearing and shaft seal problems are actually caused by mis alignment. This could even bend the shaft or cause other general chaos.



How to Check Shaft Alignment in a Boat | eHow.com

YouTube - Coupling Alignment 2

If you haven't removed the coupling in a long time you might face something similar to what I did

YouTube - mother of all shaft coupling battles

[jskrypek]

Yep, my coupling battle was similar to yours. I got a price of $160 for a new shaft so that seems to be the best option. Less than I expected and one less worry. The shaft alignment was fine when I removed it. I'll have to check it again when I replace the new shaft.