Reply To: Prop shaft off centre

[Richard but mostly Dick Smith]

Interesting discovery! Naturally when constructed it should have been in the centre at both ends of the stern tube. First question is – is it in a similar position on the inboard end? That’s difficult to tell without disturbing the water seal. Until you know the answer you can’t just “lift the engine” you really are governed in the alignment of the the cutlass and P bracket now it is where it is – if say the inboard end of the shaft is at the top of the hole raising the engine would make it rub on the hull! It does raise a lot of issues but if it’s been like it since you have owned her I would leave well alone. To me it looks misaligned from new unless the P bracket has been re set for some reason. Do I detect a wear mark on the shaft where it is close to the hull?
Regards
Dick