Bronze Prop Shaft Problems

[grzano]

I have a 1978 Pearson 323 with a bronze shaft and prop. I have noticed that my shaft looks splotchy. meaning yellowish and pinkish discoloration which appears to be dezincification of the shaft. The question is whether I need to replace the shaft, or is it okay to run. My fear is that the shaft will sheer under load and cause some major problems, like coming through the hull, ripping out the stern tube or such. I think I already have my answer but thought to ask in the event that I am overreacting here.

If anyone has any experience in this area, please reply.

Thank you,

Greg.

[Dolce_Vita]

You are correct, the pink color is de-zincification.  I think it's time to replace the shaft.


Get a stainless one.  Mine had this done before I owned it.

[grzano]

Hi Dolce_Vita,

That is what suspected. I can't get the flange off, so I'm going to cut it so I can get out and measure it. The Pearson part's catalogue says it's 59 1/2 inches, but, I was cautioned that I should measure it to make sure. I'll replace the stuffing box while I am at it. B.O.A.T, lol! The last thing I need is to break the shaft underway, probably in a storm with a lee shore, and have the shaft pounding the hull and ripping out the shaft tube.

It's better to be safe and spend the money. It seems like cheap insurance.

Thank you for your reply.

Have a great day,

Greg

[Alma]

I had to replace my bronze shaft with a stainless Aquamet one.

Now I have a  stainless shaft underwater and everything else is bronze.

A bronze shaft will bend and take the force of a collision. I know, mine looked like a pretzel after an incident that would've likely ripped the strut out of the boat had the shaft been stiff and strong stainless steel.

The bronze shafting acted like a 'fuse' and took the brunt of the damage. I was able to have the bronze strut straightened with a huge press at a machine shop.

If I had a choice I'd stay with a bronze shaft. But finding one isn't easy.

[grzano]

Hi,

I appreciate your reply. Sorry for the delay, spring commissioning is taking a good deal of time. I have contacted several people and unfortunately, bronze is out of the question. I found one from deep blue yacht sales out of Florida for $378, plus the flange and labor for facing, it is about $500 delivered.

Thank you for your reply.

All the best.

Greg

[Sundownersforme]

Hello,

I have a Pearson 323 and my shaft strut was worn out.  After lots of research and some luck I found a guy who claims to have bought the original molds.  He is casting me a new replacement.  I wanted to share this information with any and all Pearson owners as it was very hard to find and not linked to common search engines.

here you go:

D&R Marine Inc.
PO Box 921
14 Water Street
Assonet, MA 02702

[Alma]

You should have good experience with Rudy. He has sold me quite a few things in the last 25 years.

[grzano]

Hi everyone,

I really appreciate the information. In order to change the cutlass bearing in my boat I need to pull the shaft. It may pay to change the strut rather than pulling the shaft every few years, as that is a real PIA and the shaft requires realignment afterward.

I'll check with D&R Marine to see what they offer. I plan to keep this boat for the next 10 years or so.

Thank you again,

Greg