Disconnecting Coupler on a Cal2-27

[ric sheridan]

Aloha all. I am a newbie to the Atomic 4 world due to being gifted a Cal 2-27 sailboat. The boat is in fine shape is sea worthy. The engine is 30 hp Atomic that has been rebuilt with low miles. That is all I know about it for now having not been able to survey the boat yet.(next week)
My question is, is that I am pulling the boat out of the water and putting it on a trailer. It will be transported from Kaneohe Marine Corps base to Haleiwa Harbor which is roughly 30 miles on surface streets. In my research of this vessel the owners manual it says to disconnect the engine coupler before bringing it out of the water so the shaft will not get bent when the hull gets twisted and distorted out of shape when it gets lifted and put one the trailer.
Which leads me to the me to ask how do I reach the coupler? It is way back there? And how do I reconnect it perfectly when it goes back in the water like the manual says it needs to be done?
Also I am seeing a lot of engine modifications to get it to run at certain temp and to keep the sea water out and to modernize the ignition system, fuel filtration, and oil system also. My head is spinning. So can somebody break it down in simple terms for me please I have some coin to do the right thing since I didn't spend anything on the boat and I want a reliable vessel.
I want to thank all of you guys here in advance for any advice you can give I am grateful andyour knowledge is appreciated more than you know. mahalo.

[Al Schober]

If you have a direct drive engine, it's easy. The shaft has a coupling on the fwd end. There are 3 bolts that connect the coupling to the transmission flange. Just remove the 3 bolts and slide the shaft, coupling, and propeller aft about 1/4". Done deal.
You'll want to check alignment before you couple them up later (done after you're back in the water).
If you have a reduction gear (I doubt it) or a V drive, it's slightly different.
edit: Second thought. Don't remove the bolts, just back them off a couple of turns. When you go to snug things up again, just check with a feeler gauge for even gap all around.

[Peter]

And by fwd end he is referring to the shaft - the coupling is on the aft end of the engine.

Wondering whether this is necessary though? I had my boat transported about 500 km (~300 miles) and did not disconnect the shaft-and it arrived intact.

Wondering what others experienced are?

It can be a bit of a bear to get the coupling disconnected in my experience.

Peter

[ndutton]

Are there factors that make sailing the route off the table? It's about a 40~50 mile sail, all of it either beam reach or down wind during normal tradewinds.

Then again, 80% of it is along a lee shore with nowhere to tuck in if necessary.

[roadnsky]

Aloha Ric!
Welcome to the forum.

At first, I was in agreement with Peter's post that it seems excessive to disconnect the shaft for such a short haul out?
I have a sister boat to yours (Ranger 30) and I had my vessel on the hard for 3 months without disconnecting the shaft with no issues.

However, the manual DOES state very clearly on page 22 and 25 to disconnect as you said, so one has to say that deserves serious consideration.

Disconnecting the coupler and re-connecting are pretty straightforward tasks and we can help you here online as you go.
Also, you may want to watch Don's You Tube video "Rear Oil Seal Replacement"
It will give you some insights into removing/loosening that coupler.

[Sam]

Here in Chicago boats are hauled out or in for winter layup and spring launch and stored on cradles jackstands and trailers. We have just a few nearby boat yards but they are large up to 1200 boats. Boats are arriving and delivered all the time to and from other states and locales. I have never seen anyone ever disconnect the coupling. The key is balancing the pressure on the keel and the stand pads of the trailer or cradle. The heights are screw adjustable and the pressure can be further distributed to bulkheads with a couple of slightly longer boards on the pads. Little extra time on the loading should be beneficial.

[tenders]

FWIW I shipped my Ericson 32 across the country in 1995 and didn't disconnect the coupling, never thought to do so, never was advised to do so, and never regretted not doing so.