365PH stern tube hose and cutless replacement sizes.

[Barry]

Am preparing (gathering parts) in readiness to install new prop, cutless brg., dripless seal and split coupling on my 365 PilotHouse, 1980 vintage. WB50 driving through a BW 2.1 gearbox.
Does anybody have the cutless bearing length? (shaft dia. is 1-1/8"). I have a purchased a  brass shell replacement that is 4-1/2" long.
Also looking for the diameter for the stern tube/log hose. It appears to be about 2-1/2" dia but could be a little less. I cannot remove the currently installed hose to check properly,  as boat is currently afloat. If anyone has replaced their stern packing hose recently, I would appreciate what internal diameter hose they used. The PSS dripless model hoses are sized to cover 2-1/4 thru 2-3/8 shaft-tube diameters, and then from 2-1/2 thru 2-5/8 inch diameters.
The current shaft to transmission solid flange coupling looks like a nightmare to remove and I am anticipating having to use a grinder. I would like to replace it with a split coupling but they are considerably longer (3-7/16" vs current 2") and I have some concerns with available shaft space. Any opinions or help from someone who has tried this would be warmly appreciated.

Barry. s/v Gratitude. Norfolk, VA

[S/V Deo Volente]

Hi Barry, I've had my Pilothouse for 20 years now and I think I've "touched" almost everything on it. Sounds like you have the right cutlass bearing. I did change the packing box hose this past winter but I'll have to check the size tomorrow and get back to you. The first time I did this I used a portable hydraulic press to get the coupling off, but I wished I had just cut the shaft since I ended up replacing it anyway. I got a stainless shaft fitted with a tapered coupling, nice and true.

[ishmael]

Hi,

I have my shaft log off now in preparation for installing an new shaft and dripless seal.  I chose the Strong dripless shaft seal over the PSS.  You might want to take a look.  Both have good reputations but the strong can be serviced while the boat is in the water.

I don't recall the OD of the shaft log but will measure it tomorrow when I am back at the boat,

Ron 

[S/V Deo Volente]

It looks like my hose is 2 1/4 id.

[ishmael]

Yep - OD of the stern tube on mine is 2.25"

Ron

[Barry]

  Gentlemen, and I mean both of you, Bob and Ron,
Thank you for the hose dia. info. I will order the dripless seal in the morning.
I had a new experience today and tried surface fed diving to attempt a cleanup of my hull and propeller. Visibility is next to zero and quite cold. But a new experience is always welcome.
I did notice my propeller shaft having what I thought was a reddish tint when I was scraping the barnacles off. Perhaps it is a bronze shaft! I had never considered the possibility of non-stainless until I read Bob's comment about changing his shaft on S/V Deo Volente.
Any specific reason for changeover of shaft metals, or is stainless the only realistic option nowadays?

Again my thanks
Barry
s/v Gratitude

[ishmael]

The shaft should be stainless.  I just ordered a new one made up to the exact specs of the original.  $400

Ron

[S/V Deo Volente]

Prices have changed! My original shaft was bronze, but stainless was recommended. I paid $115 19 years ago!

[INCOMMUNICADO]

Berry,I just replaced my bronze shaft.Deep Blue Yacht Supply,aqualoy stainless propeller shaft A 22 82 3/4x1 1/8 single taper comes with key and locking nuts.397.72 23.62 tax 18.14 shipping total 435.48.I hope this helps.Allen

[Barry]

Thanks for the great responses.
I will examine my prop shaft carefully when pulled. Is there anything condition wise or issues to look for, in the event I find it is the original bronze shaft. I understand bronze is not susceptible to oxygen deprivation corrosion (as stainless is), so unless I find actual shaft physical damage - are there any known issues with bronze that would support a shaft material change-out? Perhaps a possible shaft age >30 yrs. is enough of a reason.

regards
Barry
s/v Gratitude

[S/V Deo Volente]

I replaced mine because corrosion on the coupling meant replacing the coupling, then getting it true so it could be aligned was going to cost as much or more than replacing it. If yours is true, and the coupling fits tight, at  90 degrees then you could reuse it, if you are replacing it I don't think it will matter too much in practice. Lot's of boats with stainless shafts.

[INCOMMUNICADO]

Berry,I prefer the bronze shaft.I had a problem with the threads and no longer do we have a local shop that would build up and recut the threads.Allen

[ishmael]

My original was stainless.  At least original to me.  I replaced because the old shaft was worn and I wanted a clean shaft when adding the dripless shaft seal.  Seeing the old shaft out confirmed my initial guess.  The new shaft should provide a clean spot for the dripless seal and make that seal last a good long while.

Ron

[Barry]

Really appreciate all the responses. The boat is due to be hauled in a couple of weeks, and so the work has to wait till then.
I will keep all advised of my tribulations and take photos for anyone to view, should they wish. I am going to wait until the shaft is out to make a decision based on it's condition.

Thanks again for all the info and support.

Barry
s/v Gratitude
Hull # 29