Cutlass Bearings - Replace?

[Aerobaticflyer]

Having a bottom job done on the boat and wondering if it's a good practice to go ahead and have the cutlass bearings changed as a preventative measure or just inspect and leave alone. 500 hours on the boat......no issues with vibration or anything. How long do these things usually last if not subjected to damage (bent shafts, damaged props, etc.)?

Thanks

 

[LMBoat]

If you are not having any issues, I would not change them. In my experience, they last 10 years

 

[fwebster]

Just check them while the boat is out of the water. Its easy to do......grab the wheel and try to move the shaft in the bearing. YOu can't just shake it, you need to put your shoulder under the shaft and try to move it with some force. If the bearing is bad, it will open a gap between the shaft and bearing as you wiggle it. I've got 1200 hours and 15 years on mine and check them every Feb. when I haul out to check the hull/hardware.........but I sat off the bottom and try not to stir up sand when docking/anchoring.

 

[tdschafer]

My boat has about 700 hrs and is 14 y/o. I had my buddy check them last year and they were ok. This year he checked and decided it was time to change them. I don't know if they were ever done before.

 

[Asureyez]

Boating in SoFla waters means a lit of sand and grit in the water. Slips are almost so shallow your props are in the muck at low tide. I'm experiencing bearings lasting maybe three seasons and then the shaft is sloppy in the strut. I'm on my third set this season.

You get the idea. check them annually or if you are getting any vibration our shudder at slow speeds.