cutless bearing question

bcarli · **Joined:** 02 Oct 2011 20:39 **Posts:** 49

Hello
I need to replace my cutless bearing this fall before we put our boat back in the water. I may have the yard do it I'm not sure. I read the posting on the form that talked about replacing the bearing and different peoples experiences. There was talk of a Tartan group buying a bearing puller and "renting" it out to Tartan 37 members. Has this happened?
Also what is the model number of the bearing that I need to buy and where is a good place to buy it? I read about left hand rotation drill bits and I don't think I have ever seen those as well...so where do I buy them?
Our boat is in Puerto Rico at Marina Del Rey. Has anybody had any experience with getting their boat worked on by the yard there or can anybody recommend somebody in the area to do the job?
Thanks
Bill & Chris
s/v Eden

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

I have replaced my cutless bearing on my T37 a couple times and on other boats. Sometimes it is very easy to get the old one out and sometimes it is hell. I do not think that any one bought a commercial puller and I am not sure that makes sense. I cannot recommend a yard, but this is not a very technical job and almost any yard has lots of experience with the process. The actual bearing is by inside diameter and length and they are widely available. Your yard most likely stocks some of them as they are generic. The first time i did it, I had to drill out the set screws that hold it in place and replace them with larger ones that I tapped threads for. One of the problems with doing this on a T37 is that it is much easier to do this with the shaft out, but that requires either removing the skeg and rudder or doing it when the engine is out, but it can be done with just the prop removed with the proper tools and a willing bearing. If you are in a time crunch, I would have the yard do it. It can be very frustrating with out the tools if he bearing is corroded in place.

puffcard · **Posted:** 10 Sep 2013 22:17

Agree with the above post.

That's a big yard, I'm certain they have pulled hundred of cutlass bearings, let them do it. Most yards will do it for one boat buck. It's a very cheap job overall when sitting on the hard. I did it 3 yrs ago for $150 total with the yard removing the old one.

I'm certain it's was a Bonito, but please verify, see attached spreadsheet.
http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/CUTLESSBearings.htm

Tartan37.com

cutless bearing question

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