R-21 Classic Prop Shaft

[tlkenyon]

Lately, I have been noticing a new vibration at certain speeds. I could not find the source, and kinda wrote it off as perceived and not real. This evening when I put the boat up on the lift, I went underneath to just take a look. Maybe there was a ding in the prop, or some line on the shaft, or something.

In tugging on the prop shaft, I noticed that the starboard set screw was very loose, to the point of almost coming completely out. I tightened it and its port partner, which was also loose. I then noticed that the collar on the shaft just forward of the prop seemed to be sticking out of the hull further than normal. I thought I had previous photos for comparison, but do not.

A photo of the situation is attached (OK the hull needs some cleaning...a few months of freshwater ick).

So...could the collar have worked itself aft? Should I loosen the set screws and slide (tap, push) the collar forward some distance? Is it OK as is? I have not yet gone out to see if the vibration is gone, I wanted to hear from an expert first....

Thanks in advance.

 

[tlkenyon]

After tightening the set screws, I went for a ride. The vibration seems to be gone, but I am concerned that the collar (bearing) may have worked itself aft...maybe too far. Does anyone have any information on how long the bearing is and where it usually sits on the Classic R21?

 

[Andrew Custis]

If you call Richard in parts, he can measure one that we use today to give you dimensions of the Cutlass bearing. I think this is what you are referring to.

(253)839-5213

Thank you!

 

[Andrew Custis]

It is definitely sticking out too far. It should only stick past the aft end of the shaft tube about an 1/8-1/4".

 

[tuggertoy]

Andrew is the expert, and he is right. We have an R-21 Classic and we replaced the cutlass bearing two years ago. We went out in the morning, anchored out for lunch and when I throttled up for the return journey, we heard a loud rattle and experienced a terrible vibration. We limped home and my husband, Eric, suspected the cutlass bearing. Andrew was able to get us the parts information and Eric fixed it on the trailer in the driveway. This isn't a failure from manufacturing, simply parts that wear out and need to be replaced. You should be back on the water in no time!!

 

[tlkenyon]

Thank-you everyone. I will loosen the set screws and slide the cutlass bearing back up the shaft tube. Glad to have averted a problem. Thanks again.

 

[tlkenyon]

In case someone can learn from my experience.....I loosened the set screws and quite easily slid the cutlass bearing back forward into the tube. The cutlass bearing not protrudes only about 1/4 inch. I re-tightened the set screws. Shaft turns OK, albeit with a little resistance being dry. When on the trailer this afternoon (not over the water on the lift) I will remove one of the set screws so that I can get an exact duplicate to have in the "spares" box.

Thanks everyone for you assistance.

TK