Victoria Shadow Association Members' Forum

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Frances 26 cutlass bearing housing.

Hi,
Yesterday, whilst motoring 5nm to the haul out yard, I noticed a lot of vibration at some engine speeds. As the waters here in SE Asia are seriously polluted, I initially assumed that I had picked a something in the prop, so did the normal drill, put the drive in reverse and rev it a bit. That made no difference, and as I had an appointment with the travel lift, I just pushed on. At about 2000 to 2500 rpm vibration was minimal. Once out of the water the problem was obvious, the cutlass bearing housing has disintegrated! This is obviously due to dezincification, and further inspection showed that the wire from the hull anode to the stern tube had failed.
Does anyone know where I could purchase a replacement cutlass bearing housing?

My only other recourse would be to fabricate one using stainless steel.
I am half tempted to change the stern tube and do this as it would enable me to move the cutlass bearing further inboard, as is the case on the Morris built boats. This, in turn, would enable me to further reduce the rudder cutout. Because I have a 3 bladed MaxProp Easy fitted, I would still need a small cut out.

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Re: Frances 26 cutlass bearing housing.

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Re: Frances 26 cutlass bearing housing.

This is the stainless steel cutlass bearing housing that I made to replace the original one.

I decided not to change the stern tube, as it looks to still be in good condition, and in any case, the only way to change it, would be to cut open the side of the boat! I will live with the amount of rudder cut out that I have.

Bill_Robinson

Member

From: Langkawi, Malaysia

Registered: 2021-06-14

Posts: 109

Re: Frances 26 cutlass bearing housing.

Just a quick update,
Inyoni is back at her slip in the marina, the vibration is gone, and the MaxProp pitch is now spot on, 3600rpm at WOT in forward. Boat speed just shy of 6 knots.  The reverse pitch is set at minimum, about 12 degrees. Looking forward to the planned Thailand cruise.