Prop Shaft Removal

[Catalina9405]

I finally found and purchased my new boat.  I picked up an 88 in Florida.  I got it for a good price, but she is in need of a lot of work. 

One of the issues I have run into is the stuffing box was badly corroded and leaking a lot while in the water.  I have got that broke loose and plan on repacking the packing gland.  The shaft had a lot of corrosion as well and is a bit scored.  I would like to remove the shaft and replace the coupling hose while I am doing all of this.  This is where the problem begins!

The output connector that is attached to the shaft and then bolts to the back of the transmission is badly corroded to the shaft and the two bolts that tighten to the shaft were badly corroded, and now snapped off.  I have considered just cutting the shaft, removing it, and planning on replacing the shaft and the connector to the transmission.  My concern is whether I will be able to slide the shaft out past the rudder, or get a new one in withour having to drop the rudder.

Any words of wisdom would be helpful.  I would just live with all of these well connected parts except I am a bit concerned about the flexible hose as it has some cracking, and if it goes so will the boat very likely.

Thanks in advance.

[breeze]

The shaft should slide by the rudder. The engine is mounted on a small angle off of the centerline of the boat.
The best way that I have found for pulling the shaft out is to use a slide hammer. It attaches to the threads at the end of the shaft, and will give the shaft a shock load. This method has never failed to work. The marina that you are at should have one of this hammers.
Some times you do have to cut the shaft, and use a press to get the shaft out.
Good luck
David

[kchunk]

I used to own a Catalina 27, and while I never pulled the prop shaft, there was a hole in the rudder...I was told was for the prop shaft. Hmmm... never really thought much about it as I would have sooner scuttled that boat rather than pull the prop shaft. That plastic clorox bottle of a boat and I never really saw eye to eye.

--Sorry

[Craig Weis]

Clorox bottle be darned.
Press the shaft out with a rented hydraulic ram.
No slap hammer unless you want to be slap silly.
skip.

[Catalina9405]

Hey guys thanks for the info.  I spoke with Gerry at Compac regarding this.  He said the rudder would have to be dropped to get the shaft out.

I am working on many other projects, but I will let everyone know how it works when I get around to it.

Chad

[Catalina9405]

Okay, so I am finally getting around to a follow up just in case anyone else is planning on doing this.  I completed the work a couple months ago and have been to busy sailing every since to sit down at the computer.

I was able to separate the coupling from the output flange on the transmission.  The coupling however was fused to the shaft and no luck getting it apart in the boat.  So I removed the prop (cutting torch for heat and a brass drift and large hammer).  I then removed the bolts for the shaft log near the cutlass bearing area.  I was then able to remove the shaft from the inside of the boat by manipulating it above the engine.

Once apart, heat and a 12 ton shop press finally got the coupling separated from the shaft.  All of the parts were cleaned up, I was able to replace the section of hose going to the stuffing box, then reassembled everything in the reverse direction.

I have now had it in the water for over a month and all is working well.

I am sure I have left a couple things out, if you have any questions drop me a line and I will try and answer.

Chad