How to Remove a Sailboat Prop Shaft From Engine Coupler

[@edwardsullivan7137]

Hey Adam, this is a great video. Can I ask where you bought the new prop shaft? I bought the same boat this past season, model and year, and have a propeller shaft that is slightly bent. I need to do this same project come spring.

[@adamdoessailing7823]

Hey thanks for reaching out and commenting! I will post the link to where I purchased the prop shaft. Link: shop.hunterowners.com

[@imecostalima]

I am trying to get my transmission out and I need some space between the plate on the transmission and the plate on the prop shaft. Id like to pull the prop shaft out just a couple inches or so but I am worried that moving it will damage the sealing that holds the water out of the boat and/or the cutless bearing. Do you know if there's any more steps required to move the shaft out or if I can just pull it out slightly and then push it back in once I'm done replacing the transmission?

[@adamdoessailing7823]

Good question, and I completely understand your concern about protecting the seals and the cutless bearing while working on the transmission. You can typically slide the prop shaft back a few inches without causing damage, but there are a few important considerations and steps to follow: Inspect the Shaft Seal: If your boat has a dripless shaft seal (e.g., PSS seal), ensure that moving the shaft won’t disturb the seal alignment. If the seal has a compression collar, you may need to loosen it slightly before moving the shaft to avoid unnecessary strain. If your boat uses a traditional stuffing box, moving the shaft slightly shouldn’t damage the packing, but check that everything is snug and in good condition before proceeding. Protect the Cutless Bearing: A few inches of movement usually won't harm the cutless bearing, but make sure the shaft stays clean and free of debris. Any grit or fouling could scratch the shaft or damage the bearing when you slide it back into place. Alignment Check After Work: When you’re done with the transmission replacement, it’s important to check and realign the prop shaft and coupling to avoid vibration and excessive wear. Supporting the Shaft: If you need to pull the shaft out further than a couple of inches, consider supporting it with a block or a friend to prevent unnecessary strain on the seals or bearing. Mark the Shaft Position: Before moving the shaft, use tape or a marker to indicate its current position. This makes it easier to return it to the exact original position after completing the work. If you follow these steps carefully, you should be able to slide the shaft out slightly without any issues. However, if you’re still unsure or your setup looks unusual, it might be worth consulting your boat’s manual or reaching out to a marine mechanic for extra peace of mind. Let me know how it goes or if you need further guidance!