Repower: Replacing Prop Strut with Skeg/Flanged Bearing on Ericson 29?

[jkenan]

The uniform barrier paint brings out all the flaws! But as a wise man once said, it's all turbulence back there anyway. Here is the the final profile with the rest of the boat in view. I'll be back down in another week to finish bottom paint, install cutlass, shaft, seal and connect it all up.

 

[jkenan]

Your project is certainly looking very impressive, and coming along nicely - this should hopefully be a better / stronger arrangement than simply having a 'P' bracket supporting the shaft.

Have you made sure that the front face of the propeller boss will be a maximum of 1.5 " from the aft end of the new composite shaft log?

@bajansailor I accommodated for both having a flexible coupling, and if that failed, being able to remove it and couple the shaft directly to the transmission. The later option leaves .5" clearance, and with the flexible coupling it adds another inch to 1.5". I opted for the bullet style zinc attached to a modified prop nut at the end of the shaft, and not the football style shaft zinc.

This project has been a communal effort - your advice at the forefront. I also must give credit to the boat builder/surveryor who is rebuilding that double-ender in the background of one of the photos I posted, who suggested I use a sandwich core construction to the skeg. It is rock solid! And thank you!

 

[gonzo]

Make sure you have holes facing forward for water to run into the cutlass bearing. It needs it for lubrication and cooling.

 

[johnnyL]

@jkenan

I came across your project while researching a similar upgrade for my Ericson 35-2.

I’m replacing my Atomic 4 and adding a larger propeller for regeneration, so I’m looking to upgrade my shaft, log, and strut with a composite setup, similar to your skeg design.

I’d love to hear how your setup has held up over time, any issues you encountered, and any additional insights you might have from your experience.

Thanks,

~Johnny

S/V Fuzzy Logic
Ericson 35-2