Do I need a Cutless Bearing?

[seapower]

No need for 2 bearing's, in your case (just my opinion, without actually looking at the boat myself). Yes some did use them on longer/larger diameter shaft installations. Some actually used 3 bearing's ; 1 in the strut, 1 intermediate bearing (usually shorter, used as a steady bearing midway between the strut and shaft tube) and finally one in the shaft tube itself. Make sure that (when you set you engine in) that there is no binding in the cutless. Get your alignment within .0015 and you will be in good shape. Just remember that when you put her overboard, let the boat sit for a few day's in the water dockside, so she can get her "in water" shape. Then check you alignment again, get it to .0015. Call me if you need me to explain any of this. Frank

[sharkbite1]

I would install a cutless bearing. It needs to be supported in two spots along the shaft. It is no big deal to stick one in. Before you install your new fiberglass shaft tube have the inside machined out to recieve a cutless bearing. Let me know if you need help, I have one machined and ready to go for a 2" shaft.

[Big Jay]

No need for 2 bearing's, in your case (just my opinion, without actually looking at the boat myself). Yes some did use them on longer/larger diameter shaft installations. Some actually used 3 bearing's ; 1 in the strut, 1 intermediate bearing (usually shorter, used as a steady bearing midway between the strut and shaft tube) and finally one in the shaft tube itself. Make sure that (when you set you engine in) that there is no binding in the cutless. Get your alignment within .0015 and you will be in good shape. Just remember that when you put her overboard, let the boat sit for a few day's in the water dockside, so she can get her "in water" shape. Then check you alignment again, get it to .0015. Call me if you need me to explain any of this. Frank

I would agree with this response. How you been Frank?

[seapower]

No complaint's here, been plenty busy. Thanks for asking.
Matt, you can use dripless if you like, but with today's shaft packing material you can have a "virtually" dripless stuffing box without the cost. The material's that can be used today don't rot like the old waxed packing did, doesn't damage a shaft like teflon packing can if tightened down too much.
The use of more than one cutless bearing is determined on the length, diameter and horsepower (equal's a larger, heavier prop). Your pop has my number if needed. Frank

[kapnd]

If the shaft is really long, yes, but it doesnt look like it in the pic.
The engine is on rubber mounts, must move some on that end due to torque forces, putting a bearing too close is not good. You will get premature wear on the gear output bearings/seals.
The packing is GFO, and used with the proper grease, it is amazingly dry.

[WAHOONBOX]

If the shaft is really long, yes, but it doesnt look like it in the pic.
The engine is on rubber mounts, must move some on that end due to torque forces, putting a bearing too close is not good. You will get premature wear on the gear output bearings/seals.
The packing is GFO, and used with the proper grease, it is amazingly dry.

THERE ARE SO INCREDIBLE RESPONSES TO THIS THREAD AND I THANK & SALUTE ALL OF YOU!

I ALSO WANT TO WELCOME kapnd FROM HAWAII TO DA WORLD...I LIKE YOUR OCCUPATION LISTING IN YOUR AVATAR!
Occupation: fishcutter, salesman, first mate, captain, maintenance guy, bookkeeper, etc

[scattered_grass]

Thanks everyone for their input! Tube is glassed in place, seal should arrive today, there will be a big ole Cummins in her this weekend

We did not put a bearing in the tube.