[C320-list] Cutlass Bearing

[Jerry Sheets via C320-list]

A question for the group. Maybe it’s me since I’m not mechanically inclined, but I’m somewhat concerned about some boat yard bills.

Question is, how many hours and how many helpers does it normally require to replace a cutlass bearing?

I received a $950 bill before shaft alignment. Just wondering if that sounds excessive.

Thanks to all as always for your responses.

Jerry
JellyRoll #890

[Jeff Smith via C320-list]

Hey Jerry,

It sounds high if the boat was already out of the water. The association has a tool that will remove the cutless bearing. Assuming the yard has something similar, you remove the prop, push out the old bearing, and reinstall the new bearing. I did this by myself in maybe two hours, including regreasing my Max-prop that I had to disassemble to remove it. I am not sure why it would take more than one person.

FWIW,
Jeff, #121

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

$950 is high!!
The bearing is currently $87 at Catalina Direct https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/shop-by-boat/catalina-38/engine/props-etc/cutlass-bearing-cp-26-c-27-c-28-lt-724-c-270-c-30-c-320-c-34-c-36/?shop-by-boat=catalina-38&engine=props-etc  You likely can get it cheaper at other places. I got one for $46 from Defender Marine in 2024. To do my job I used the association loaner tool ..... it cost $163 total to ship both ways. 
Cost involves only the bearing and shipping of the tool. I shaved my shipping in half since another local owner also did his at the same time .... we split the shipping cost and helped each other. My total cost wound up at about $130 then. 
It is good to have 2 people do it (help each other).  Pulling and replacing the bearing took maybe 1.5 hours and was easy. Obviously, the propeller also must be removed and reinstalled and you likely will need a puller.  I used a cheap one from harbor Freight successfully. 
The association loaner tool is free except you need to pay shipping to/from you. That is pricey due only to weight. 
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32
Holland, MI 

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Simply put, if the only service provided was the bearing replacement.
That isn’t high, it’s criminal.

For that price you could buy the strut pro tool, and the bearing and within
no more than three hours have the job done and enough money left over to
have a VERY nice dinner for two including drinks. Figure a so so yard
could do this job in one hour with two people. A highly competent person
could probably do it in one hour but it’s nice to have a second person
handy. It’s maybe another hour or so to get the prop off and on if it’s
been on a while. again, assumes a competent yard and no issues.

Did they run into problems? What is the hourly rate at the yard? Were
you charged for a short haul? Something really doesn’t make any sense.

For what it’s worth the price to ship the strut pro tool and prop puller
from PA to WI is only about $42. Probably a little more to get it all the
way to CA, and less of you are somewhere closer to PA. Since you have to
pay for both directions figure it’s roughly $100 round. I use Pirate Ship
to ship the tools which discounts about 40% off standard shipping. Round
trip price assumes you use Pirate Ship. I recognize this doesn’t help you
now, but something to consider for the future.

Troy Dunn
C320 IA Toolbox Coordinator
Wonky Dog Hull #514

[Dan Petticord via C320-list]

Troy, does the association have a Loos PT-3 gauge available thru the
toolbox? We pulled the mast this year to rewire it and run new halyards.
I have the PT-2 gauge, but really don’t want to buy the bigger one for two
shrouds

Dan Petticord

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Yes, there is a PT-3 gauge in the toolbox. All of the toolbox information
including request forms, manuals, etc. is on the c320.org site. You must
be logged in as a member to access the request form. Currently both gauges
are in the toolbox. They are one of the most borrowed tools due to their
high cost and relatively low costs to ship. In another month or so when
boats start splashing, availability will likely be delayed.

Regards-

Troy

On Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 8:49 PM Justin Cherry <cher...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I second Troy’s comments. Using the association tools,I pulled the prop,
> installed the new cutlass bearing, and reinstalled a new prop in a crisp
> three hours. Having a second set of hands would be nice, but not necessary-
> I did it myself with no issues.
>
> Justin Cherry
> MadameX
> Hull #249
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 2026, at 6:59 PM, Troy Dunn via C320-list <

[Arthurpiotrowski via C320-list]

It took me about 4 hours with my friend. You will need to pull the prop to remove the old bearing and slide the new one in place. Pullers are available through the tool loaner program, which is great. Another 2 hrs to disconnect prop shaft from the trans, with another puller. Thanks

Art Piotrowski

> On Mar 28, 2026, at 14:06, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
>  $950 is high!!

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Art-
Why disconnect the prop shaft from the transmission?

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 3:30 PM, Arthurpiotrowski via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: It took me about 4 hours with my friend. You will need to pull the prop to remove the old bearing and slide the new one in place. Pullers are available through the tool loaner program, which is great. Another 2 hrs to disconnect prop shaft from the trans, with another puller. Thanks

[Artur Piotrowski via C320-list]

Dave, I was doing shaft seal replacement as well. Thanks.

Art Piotrowski

> On Mar 29, 2026, at 09:27, Arthurpiotrowski via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> It took me about 4 hours with my friend. You will need to pull the prop to remove the old bearing and slide the new one in place. Pullers are available through the tool loaner program, which is great. Another 2 hrs to disconnect prop shaft from the trans, with another puller. Thanks