July 2014
A big moment; 7 years after I ordered and received the
propshaft and housing
I finally slipped the propshaft in.
First I had to raise the stern so that the propshaft could slide in without hitting the floor of the workshop. I figured I'd need plenty of wriggle room...
Remember this sterntube has three bearings due to its length.
Passing through the second or middle bearing just involved steering the shaft but passing through the engine bay bearing was going to be a challenge.
Had I planned this more carefully I would have placed the middle bearing nearer the engine bay...
At least half way!
So I had quite a stuggle getting the drooping bar through the upper bearing. My solution involved using a small rod to lift the shaft with coordinated pushing and turning from the stern.
I will resist all thoughts of removing this shaft...