Cracked and leaking shaft log tube.

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MitchMan406's picture
MitchMan406
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Joined: 12/31/11
Posts: 71
Cracked and leaking shaft log tube.

I would like to solicit some feedback from some people that a have more experience than I with a critical leaking part.

Basically, the shaft log is cracking and developed a slight leak.
One caveat here: The rear mating section of the hose is buried under some kind of white material in a make-shift repair. I only see one hose clap on the rear mateing section, which is buried under the white material.
The front mating section of the hose to the packing gland hase two hose clamps - as recommended.

Also the hose appears to be slightly bulging. So it is possible that the hose is expanding and cracking the "repair job". Eveidently, the PO did not want to pull the boat to address either a broken/loose shaft log or leaking hose.

Not sure why this is leaking now; however it is. But there is a slight weep present in the cracks.

No crazy or weird vibration present.

(Update: Shaft alignment is off at the bottom of the transmission coupling by about 1/8". Yikes...ordering new engine mounts now.

Any input as far as reparing this would be very appreciated.

Here are my questions:
-Would it be possible to eliminate the fiberglass log and convert to a broze through-hull bracket?
-Has anyone done this?
-Has anyone seen a tutorial on how to repair this?
-Are there any pictures of a MK1 Catalina 36 shaft log. I would lik to see how one is suppposed to look. (Remember, mine's buried in Marine-Tex or something like that!)

I have been doing research, but all I see are descriptions - vague descriptions at that of the shaft log.

Any help would be very-much appreciated!

Thanks, All!

Mitch

1986 Catalina 36 MKI 
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
 

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TomSoko
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Joined: 2/15/07
Posts: 978

Mitch,
I've answered some of your questions already on the other message board, but I thought I would post a picture of what the shaft log looks like, WITHOUT a can of goop on it! You definitely need to replace the hose, and while you are at it, the 4 hose clamps. It's time. I don't think that a bronze or other shaft tube is possible with the way the hull is designed. You might want to give a call to Gerry Douglas at CY. He's the VP of Engineering, and he designed our boats. You should be able to scrape or cut off the white goop, repair the shaft log if necessary with epoxy and/or fiberglass cloth, and clamp on a new piece of hose. It's 1-5/8" ID, by the way. Might as well replace the packing in the stuffing box with gore-tex while you have everything apart. You will have to pull the boat for this project. The picture below shows a PSS instead of a stuffing box, but you can see the shaft log entering the hull. The shaft log ends just about at the bellows of the PSS. The aft two hose clamps are firmly on the shaft log. As for changing the motor mounts, I think the only thing you have to disconnect is the exhaust riser from the aqualift muffler. The hoses and wires should have enough slack in them to lift first the front end, then the aft end of the engine. I used a come-a-long (sp?) suspended from a 4x4 across the companionway, and it was easy to do. Precise control. If you haven't bought the new mounts already, you might want to consider getting Vetus K75 mounts. Other than having to slightly enlarge one mounting hole on each mount, they are an exact fit for the engine, and are softer than the OEM mounts. Much less vibration and noise transmitted to the hull. Hope this helps.

Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT

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Keith's picture
Keith
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Joined: 7/19/07
Posts: 25

I had a similar issue with the shaft log on my 1985 C36. The engine was out of alignment and the shaft rubbed through the stern tube resulting in a leak. The engine motor mounts were replaced and engine aligned properly. The stern tube was repaired with epoxy. I would now like to replace the stern tube and will interested in any information on replacing the stern tube. It appears by your picture that the leaking stern tube on your boat may also be the result of the prop shaft rubbing.

Keith & Donna
SV: Victoria Dos
Hull #431
Sea of Cortez, Mexico

MitchMan406's picture
MitchMan406
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Joined: 12/31/11
Posts: 71

Hi, Keith:

Yeah, the engine alignment was horrible out of tolerence.
I put new motor mounts in her Saturday and got the shaft within .003".

So, as of now she is purring like a kitty.

I am going to pull the boat out of the water pretty quick to inspect the shaft log and the crappy repair job done to it.

I am hoping that the leak is due to a fatigued shaft-log hose, which the PO owner or technitian repaired with goo and one hose calmp.
Pretty sweet, huh?

I'll take some pics as I progress...

********UPDATE********

Ok, the boat is out of the water now and on the hard.

The shaft coupling is completely frozen to the shaft. Tried PB Blaster, heat, and pullers to no avail.

The shaft has rubbed thourh the bottom of the stern tube, but it can be reapired.

I may have to cut the shaft (@#$%&*!) to remove it before replacing the shaft log hose.

Question: Will the shaft neak pas the rudder or will it have to be dropped? and Does it Have to completely clear the stern or can you leave it in place to sneak the shaft by without the cutless bearing in place?

-Mitch

Mitch

1986 Catalina 36 MKI 
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
 

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Keith
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Joined: 7/19/07
Posts: 25

Hi Mitch:
I was wondering how you made out with the repair to the stern tube on your boat. Did you complete the project? If so would you share some of your learning, as I will be doing this job later this year?
Keith

Keith & Donna
SV: Victoria Dos
Hull #431
Sea of Cortez, Mexico

MitchMan406's picture
MitchMan406
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Joined: 12/31/11
Posts: 71

I have a complete write up. I am sorry I didn't see this in a timely fashion.

Have you performed this repair?

You can call me if need be...just let me know if you still need my feedback.

Mitch

1986 Catalina 36 MKI 
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion
 

Channel Islander's picture
Channel Islander
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Joined: 10/8/11
Posts: 378

Mitch, we'd love to get a write-up with pictures.

You should be able to post a draft using the "My Workbench" link in your User Menu. Please let me know if you have any trouble.

Thanks,

Nick

Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA

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