Having read all the stories and watched lots of You Tube videos I'll be surprised if I don't have a few problems along the way but your info definitely helps.

I'll post a story once it's all done. My biggest problem at the moment is that it's blowing 40knts from the south with 6-7m seas so I might not even get to the slip next week. Hopefully it'll be calmer by then.

All the best,

David.

I don't have any experience with the DE38, so take this with a grain of salt.  On the 32, I don't think that there is any way to pull the shaft out without removing the rudder.  I may be wrong.  My coupler is pretty well fused to the shaft and I've always pulled it forward.  I redesigned my companionway a couple of years ago and it's only about a 1 hour job to get the engine lifted to the point that I can pull the shaft out underneath.  Your experience may be different, but I've found this to be the easiest way.

As for putting the new cutlass bearing in, I was able to put it in by hand.  It required a little bump to get it to seat all the way in, but it wasn't a big deal.  I didn't have to cool it or anything.  The set screws hold it in place.

Good luck getting your prop off.  Mine had not been off for 10 years before I pulled it 2 years ago.  It took a proper prop puller and a very big torch to get it to pop free.  This time, it just took a block of wood and a hammer.

Good Luck,

Jason

Just in case anyone still needs to know, the cutlass bearing on the DE 32 has 1.5" OD and 1" ID.  I just finally got around to changing it out down here in Fiji.  Even with the forum posts it still took me a good 5 hours to get it free.  I had to drill out the set screws, cut the bearing in half with hacksaw blade and then get a pipe wrench and persuader bar to get it to cooperate.

 

Jason

Sounds interesting Jason,

I'm about to put a Morse Bonito (4"long x1.5" OD x1"ID) cutlass bearing in my DE38.  I'm told I should be able to get the prop shaft out past the rudder if I turn it far enough rather than lifting the engine and gearbox. How did you get your propshaft out?

I scored a second hand Austral Prop puller (RRP Aus$160) on ebay for $32 so that should help me get the prop off.

I've made a crude bearing puller/press (Aus$25) and if it doesn't work I'll be cutting it out like you did. Did you get the new one in by cooling it and shrink fitting? If so how did you cool it?

I'm also going to fit a new PSS shaft seal. My current one was installed in 2005 and I think rather than fit a maintenance kit (Aus$190) I may as well just put in a new one (Aus$400)

I'll post lots of photos as soon as it's done.

All the best

David

Jason

Fisheries Supply here in Seattle has 4 different sizes for the 1" shaft.  They're all 4" long, but the ODs are 1 3/8, 1 1/2, 1 5/8 and 2".  My guess would be that it's either the 1 1/2 or the 1 5/8.  I'll probably just pick up both of those and take them to Fiji with me.

Thanks,

Jason

I'm about ready to head back to Bodhran in Fiji and wanted to pick up a new cutlass bearing before I go.  Anyone know what size bearing the DE32 takes.  I know it's a 1" shaft, but don't know the OD.

 

Thanks,

Jason

DE32 Bodhran

I have got them from Defender or West Marine, there are 2 sizes for 1" shaft. I use the one that is 4" and it sticks out about 1/2" so changing it is real easy, just back off the set screws and turn out with a wrench and install new one without taking out the shaft. I've used a sawsall blade with shaft out to just cut through the cutlass and compress it where you cut it and pull it out with my fingers. To pull out the shaft I lift the engine a little and slide the shaft out underneath. Have had out DE 32 for 15 years and have changed it a few times as well as the shaft.

                                  scotty

Scott

Thanks,

Jason

DE32 Bodhran