Shaft Coupler install? / Cutless bearing

[davebuc]

Howdy,
I need to replace my cutless bearing.
2014 Ski Nautique 200 closed bow. 6.0L engine.1799 hours.

I am trying to weigh the time, $$ and risks of replacing the cutless bearing with the shaft in place by making a tool that resembles the strut pro
or
removing the drive shaft.
Having studied a couple posts about removing the shaft coupler from the drive shaft, I feel like I understand that process.

It seems like to reinstall the coupler on the shaft, you heat the coupler in the oven to 500 degrees...carefully take it to the boat and install it?
How difficult is this to get the coupler to go on the drive shaft?

Also: my strut covers 7" of my driveshaft.
The new cutless bearing nautiqueparts sells is 6" https://www.nautiqueparts.com/produc...-for-1-shafts/

Is the correct procedure to cut the new cutless in half lengthwise and install each half such that it is flush with each end of the strut (bow end and stern end)?

Thanks,
Dave

[Infinity]

Gonna be tough to replace the cutlass bearing with the shaft in-place IMO, worth a try tho if you have the right tool to remove the old cutlass bearing. Tool would have to be perfectly made to have any chance of replacing with the drive shaft in place, I personally dont think I would try it that way. It is a time consuming process for sure.
I have seen people cut the old cutlass bearing in half to make removal easier since its pressure fit (plus of course the 2 set screws to hold it in place)...I have seen this done very carefully with a hacksaw blade, but you definitely do NOT cut the new cutlass bearings before installing them.

I know to remove the drive shaft, most people remove it out the back....which usually requires removal of the rudder. However on some boats its possible to remove the cabin floor cover and then pull the driveshaft into the boat rather than out the back. If that's possible you would not have to re-install the coupler to the shaft.

After re-assembling the drive shaft, you should make sure that engine is aligned properly. Lots of youtube videos on this entire process.

You should look at the GLIDE bearings brand. These come in a set of 2) and each is about 2" long so you install one from the top and one from the bottom of the strut.

[dhmcfadin]

Howdy,
I need to replace my cutless bearing.
2014 Ski Nautique 200 closed bow. 6.0L engine.1799 hours.

I am trying to weigh the time, $$ and risks of replacing the cutless bearing with the shaft in place by making a tool that resembles the strut pro
or
removing the drive shaft.
Having studied a couple posts about removing the shaft coupler from the drive shaft, I feel like I understand that process.

It seems like to reinstall the coupler on the shaft, you heat the coupler in the oven to 500 degrees...carefully take it to the boat and install it?
How difficult is this to get the coupler to go on the drive shaft?

Also: my strut covers 7" of my driveshaft.
The new cutless bearing nautiqueparts sells is 6" https://www.nautiqueparts.com/produc...-for-1-shafts/

Is the correct procedure to cut the new cutless in half lengthwise and install each half such that it is flush with each end of the strut (bow end and stern end)?

Thanks,
Dave

You won’t be able to remove the cutless bearing with the shaft installed because the cutless bearing is two pieces. Front and rear. The bearing you linked is not the correct bearing.

You must remove the shaft. It’s very easy. New Nautique shafts are double tapered meaning the hub is not pressed onto the shaft. You just need the hub removal plug. Can be purchased from Elberts- A.R.E shaft.

Drop the rudder, unbolt the coupling, thread in the removal plug and grab a strap wrench to hold the coupling. Use a socket to turn the threaded plug into the hub and push the hub off the shaft.

To remove the cutless bearing, I use this method and then use a piece of 1/4” aluminum bar and a hammer. Slides right out.

https://youtu.be/KsqOac-52Rs

To install your new cutless bearing, grab some threaded rod, a couple washers, some grease. This will press your new bearings in easy.



Slide your shaft back in, install your coupling, torque to spec, check alignment, re-install rudder. Done.

[1989SkiNautique2001]

I just cut the worn out 6" cutlas bearing out of my 1989 Ski Nautique 2001. Would it be acceptable to replace the 6" bearing with 2 X 2" bearings?

[dhmcfadin]

I just cut the worn out 6" cutlas bearing out of my 1989 Ski Nautique 2001. Would it be acceptable to replace the 6" bearing with 2 X 2" bearings?

Yes. That is the new standard. Press one in from the front and one from the rear.

[gary s]

Here is a tool available to eliminate most of that work. If you have a marina with one available it might be worth it _

[1989SkiNautique2001]

Yes. That is the new standard. Press one in from the front and one from the rear.

Is that what you have done on the Longhorn?

[dhmcfadin]

Is that what you have done on the Longhorn?

Yes sir!

[Jonny Quest]

I went with a one-piece strut bearing:

BADE 1" x 1-1/4" x 6" Brass Johnson Cutless Bearing. The "new" standard is two pieces, each 2" long. Supposedly the 2-piece design allows for better lubrication and water flow...not to mention ease of installation.

I ended up removing my strut and cutting the shaft near the coupler. Then I went with the A.R.E. double-taper shaft. Very nice.

As mentioned above, be sure to do a transmission-to-driveshaft alignment.

JQ