Well Attacked Strut and Shaft today. Old strut says Tartan on in faintly, must be original. I was suprised, there is a hole in the hull where the strut fits in, inside the hull it looks like at least a tube of 5200 and G-10 backing plate glued to it. Strut was fitted to 5200. They must have used a release agent because it came off with a few taps on each side. I can't imagine this is how tartan originally installed it. Strut is bolted into an oversize patch of 5200 and G-10 ?
Would have thought it would be more structural than that. I never had a problem with it, no leaks at all, and seemed pretty strong. Boat would sink fast if it came apart though.
With the Strut off, Shaft came right out around the skeg, with plenty of room, my shaft measured about 48.5 inches long and was worn at cutlass bearing and shaft packing. New strut should bolt right up though.
I found out Algonac Marine Cast in Michigan, made the struts for Tartan. They have been great to deal with, my new strut is cast and being machined, now I just need a new shaft. Maybe dripless shaft seal ? Right now I have Teflon Packing which worked pretty well. Will have to research.
Thanks again for all the input guys !
Todd
S/V Bleu Moon