Part 3 of 3. Tips for removing and replacing a cutlass bearing for a boat's propeller shaft

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This tutorial is a collection of tips and pointers for installing a new cutlass bearing for your propeller shaft. This is a the third part of a three part video series for a job that can save you money in a boat yard or save you in a far off location as a cruiser.
This final part shows how hold the frozen bearing, use soap as a lubricant that will not cause future problems and the usual install techniques. There are other install techniques when it does not go as smoothly and we will show those in future videos. In our video, the bearing went in so smoothly due to the prep, soap lube and the freeze, that it did not require any other tricks.
We have owned over 150 boats and helped in boatyards for almost 30 years. In this time we have serviced a few propellers while also teaching others how to do it. There are a few little tricks that make it easier as well.
This video shows the service of a standard strut and bearing that is found on boats from 10 feet to over 100 feet. The actions of the service are the same for all sizes but keep in mind that the wall thickness of the bearing itself will be different depending on the size of the bearing and shaft.
We did not mention it in our videos, but don't forget to check your strut zinc. Sometimes it is already gone and there is only a hole for a zinc as you see in our videos. If this is the case or if you have an old zinc on the strut, this is the time to replace it and save your strut from being destroyed by electrolysis.
This is the fourth video for our new Real World Sailboat Repair Channel. We show you how to get this repair done out in the real world just the way that you will have to do it instead of on a bench or shop. Please pardon the less than perfect sound or picture as we are doing this bearing change out in a busy boat yard.
Capt. Scott

[@MrPaulcoster94]

Just want to thank you again bearing is in followed your instructions. You was absolutely on the money

[@curthook9622]

You should be using a large half round file for that

[@gdadamos2302]

As I was removing my old bearing, using this trick, I couldn't help but thinking,," Beat the snot out of it" LOL,,,only two small nicks on the forward edge,,, 37 days and counting,,

[@captainkrunch6372]

How long did you freeze it, did you use dry ige?

[@Michael-by4jw]

You mentioned temperature change prior to install, im wondering if you did the ole putting a bearing in a freezer technique before install or if that would be bad for the bearing

[@dboboc]

They don’t seem to have a problem in the winter.

[@funjumper835]

Does it matter if the bearing sticks out, do you have to cut it flush or leave it as is

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

As long as you have room for the zinc, it can stick out. Bottom paint it as usual so it doesn't get barnacles

[@Rick-tb4so]

Is it normal for the bearing to be that long ?

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

The bearing gets longer as the shaft diameter increases. They come in mostly standardized combinations. It's normal for that shaft size.

[@MrPaulcoster94]

thank you so much mate been following this wile doing mine , what do you do when it is too long as in the video ? do you cut it or leave it ?

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

You cut it so that it matched the circumference of the shaft. Make sure that the cut joints are positioned opposite to each other.

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

You can do either.
If there is room for it to stick out the front without getting in the way of the zinc or cutter or, . . . . Go ahead and leave it. The extra surface area can make it last longer. Just sand it and paint it along with the strut.
If it gets in the way, cut it flush. I have done both.

[@MrPaulcoster94]

@@sailboatcareandrepair thank you again

[@captainkrunch6372]

Can you paint it with copper paint?

[@MrPaulcoster94]

@@captainkrunch6372 personally as it’s so thick I would only put that on the strut , or p bracket .

[@SailingWindGypsy]

Cut the music!

[@keepingourpubliclandsopen1671]

what a terrible way to treat purple heart

[@jayelwin]

I noticed the purple wood, and I was wondering if it was actual purple heart, or just a piece of wood that somebody stained purple.

[@edwardcarr2323]

Why did you add the guitar music? Tough to hear you at times, and it really ruined an otherwise informative video.

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

This is one of our first videos. Still practicing and learning video sounds, mic settings.

[@edwardcarr2323]

Thanks. I'm using your technique to replace my cutlass.

[@sailboatcareandrepair]

Let us know if you have any questions. We have done this many times on different boats.