Wellcraft Cruisers Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 76)

This section discusses your boat’s propulsion

equipment. Depending on boat model, your boat

is powered either by inboard engines through a

transmission or by sterndrive(s). If your boat

has a sterndrive, the manufacturer’s manual pro-

vides detailed information about its operation.

Note: The information in this section, except for

troubleshooting, trim tabs, and propellers

applies primarily to inboard–powered boats.

PROPELLERS

The propellers supplied with your boat have

been selected as the best propeller for average

use. Consider keeping an extra set of propellers

on your boat. If the propellers become dam-

aged, you can replace them with the spares and

continue your outing. Check with your dealer if

you want to purchase an extra set.

Note: You, as owner, can change propeller sizes

to suit other conditions. However, you assume

all responsibility for any damage caused by the

change in propeller size.

PROPELLER SHAFT

The propeller shaft is made of stainless steel

which has excellent corrosion resistance and

very high strength. The coupling at one end of

the shaft is bolted to the transmission. The

other end of the shaft is tapered, threaded, and

keyed for installation of the propeller.

STRUTS

Each propeller shaft is supported by struts fas-

tened to the bottom of the hull. The struts have

replaceable bearings to minimize wear and to

protect the shaft at the points where it passes

through the strut hubs. Strut bearings should

be lubricated by your dealer.

SHAFT LOG AND STUFFING BOX

The shaft log is a bronze tube inserted in an

opening in the bottom of the boat for the pro-

peller shaft. A short length of flexible hose

connects the shaft stuffing box to the shaft log.

The stuffing box keeps water from leaking

around the shaft into the boat. The stuffing box

has a packing gland filled with waxed flax or

synthetic fiber rings compressed around the

shaft by the packing retainer.

A very slight leak helps lubricate the packing.

One drop every 60 seconds is desirable. More

than one drop per minute indicates wear

caused by the rotating shaft. Tightening the

packing retainer slightly will usually stop exces-

sive leakage. If the leakage continues after

tightening the retainer, the packing may need

replacement, the log may be out of alignment,

or the shaft may be bent or scored. Have your

dealer check any persistent excess leakage.

Important: Overtightening the packing retainer

may score the propeller shaft.

ALIGNMENT

Aligning the engine with the propeller shaft is

critical for smooth operation of your boat. The

shafts are properly aligned at the factory. Check

the alignment after delivery or an extended

lay–up. A slight misalignment can result in a

loss of power, vibration, or wear in the bearings.

To check the alignment:

1. Remove the coupling bolts and spread the

couplings very slightly.

2. Use a feeler gauge to measure the space

between the couplings at the edges of the

coupling. The difference in reading should

not exceed 0.003 inch.

3. A second check is to leave the flange on the

engine fixed and rotate the propeller shaft

coupling in 90° steps. Check the clearance

between the fixed engine flange and the

rotating propeller flange with the feeler

gauge at the top. If the four measurements

differ by more than 0.003 inch, it may be an

indication that there is a slight bend in the

propeller shaft. This is an important check

after striking a submerged object.

4. The straightness of the shaft can be further

checked with the boat out of the water by

setting up a dial indicator on a solid fixed

surface and rotating the propeller shaft by

hand (use the blades of the propeller to

turn the shaft by hand. This test will clearly

indicate whether the propeller shaft has

been bent.

8-1

Underwater Gear – 8

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Wellcraft Cruisers Owner's Manual Page 76

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