Cutless bearing replacement

[Mike Jenkins]

I am planning my spring maintenance and was thinking of replacing the cutless bearing. I bought the boat 4 years ago and I'm not sure how long since its been replaced. I notice about 1/8" of play when I lift the propeller before it comes up solid against the top surface of the cutless bearing. The drive system is an Atomic 4, 1979,1" bronze shaft and indigo propeller, and an outside supported rudder. I only motor about 50 hours per season. How much play should one have before replacing the cutless bearing? Is there any other inspection /maintenance one should do if the cutless bearing is to be replaced? Thanks for any assistance.

[Administrator]

That's a huge amount of play, I think, and you're more than ready for a new one. Make sure a high quality stainless setscrew is used to hold the new bearing in place.

Bill

[Paul_NY]

Can someone outline the steps in replacing the cutless bearing (on a Catalina 27)?