Setting strut, rudder, etc

[Buttanic]

I am restoring a fiberglass Chris Craft Cutlass straight inboard and I would like opinions on what to use to bed the shaft strut, rudder post and the stern tube. Epoxy filler, 3M 5200 or other. I am leaning toward 3M 5200 because of the<br />flexibility. Might epoxy filler tend to crack from vibration?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Setting strut, rudder, etc

5200, all the way...

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Setting strut, rudder, etc

Unless the strut or rudder get ripped off from hitting something I don't forsee the need for any kind of maintenance that would require removing them for the next 15 to 20 years and by that time either me or the boat may be long gone. It's a trailer boat and won't be continually in the water.

 

[BillP]

Re: Setting strut, rudder, etc

I have to disagree. Few in the boatbuilding industry bond those parts to the hull. It isn't because they are cheap either. You don't want any those pieces glued to the boat...it makes future maintenance a nightmare. The caulk on those parts is needed only for a waterseal gasket. Use standard polysulfied. It's what 99% of all boat builders use for those applications.

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting strut, rudder, etc

I pull several a year to get the strut straightened or replaced because they get bent from logs and shallow rocks. No one ever plans on hitting them, but sheet happens way to often.<br />Normally you will find shims made of fiberglass resin and filler used to fill the gap from a strut that doesn't fit just right. I normally drill and tap the 4 corners of the strut, and put bolts in it with locknuts on the outside. Then put the strut against the hull and adjust the 4 bolts as necessary to get the shaft and cutlass bearing equal all around. <br />Then make a fiberglass or epoxy slurry with a thickner and butter up the strut surface and bolt it snug (NOT TIGHT) to the hull so the 4 contact bolts touch the hull.<br />After the slurry sets up, trim it, remove the 4 adsjustment bolts. Use sealer on the thru bolts for the strut (Non Adhesive type) and you are set till the next time it gets bent.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Setting strut, rudder, etc

I like your idea Don. I think I will do that. I have already made an alignment bushing to center the shaft in the stern tube and I was thinking about how to align the strut.