Underwater Gear
6.2
Aligning the engine with the propeller shaft is critical for
smooth operation of your boat. Your dealer should check
alignment as part of commissioning. However, shaft
alignment may shift slightly after your boat is in use and
may need to be realigned, particularly if there is vibration,
drumming sound, or loss of RPM’s. See Fig. 6.4 for an
illustration of the alignment steps.
Figure 6.4
We recommend the alignment procedure be performed
by competent professionals.
6.1.2.2 Cutless Bearing
The propeller shaft is supported by the strut. The strut
houses a replaceable bearing (Fig. 6.3) to minimize wear
and to protect the shaft at the point where it passes
through and contacts the strut. The bearing should be
inspected annually and replaced as necessary. We rec
-
ommend the replacement procedure be performed by
competent professionals.
6.1.2.3 Shaft Seal Assembly
The shaft seal assembly consists of the stern bearing,
hose, stuffing box, lock nut and packing nut (Fig. 6.3).
This assembly acts as the union between water and hull,
allowing the propeller shaft to extend from the hull and
rotate without a water breach. The stuffing box incorpo
-
rates a replaceable packing system which is calibrated to
allow a specific number of drips per minute. This water
provides the proper environment to control the frictional
impact between the rotating shaft and packing material.
Your stuffing box should produce 1 to 2 drips per minute.
Inspect your shaft seal assembly annually.
6.1.3 Sail Drive
Underwater Gear
6.2
Figure 6.3
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