Bertram33 User Forum

I need a port side new shaft. Cat 3208T with 1 3/8" shafts. Are there better brands than others? Any advice would be appreciated.

I have never needed a shaft on mine but have read a fair amount about the subject. I don't think you will find any specific brand out there but instead you will generally find a marine machine shop that can machine one to your dimensions using the correct stock. The most common that I'm aware of are Aguamet 19 and Aquamet 21. Generally I've heard that the 19 has some attributes that make it preferable over the 21 but you need to ask and look around. I've also seen in the Defender Marine books , an ad for them making shafts to you specifications. One of the newer tricks they use is to cut the keyway with a spoon shape at the start of it to keep cracks from propagating there. That's about all I know and where I would start if I were looking for a new shaft.

I have two shafts from when I repowered. My recollection is they are 85-1/4" by 1-1/2" Auqamet 22. Send me a message if you think they might work.

FYI. The PM function does not work. Nice to hear from you again Bob!

Bob, I will keep that in mind as this story plays out. If I switch to 1 1/2" shafts I would need two new props as well. The prop I have now is only a year old so I'm hoping not yo have to replace the starboard side.

Your 1 3/8" prop will not fit on an 1 1/2'shaft. Not sure if a prop shop could cut a wider opening for you so it could fit.

The props can be machined, but the struts would need a very thin cutlass bearing & I'm not sure that would work, but I believe that it can.

Good point Joe. I think there have been instances where guys here have used a thin wall cutlass bearing.

But then there's the stuffing boxes.... Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

I actually just had the dripless shaft seals replaced and this is what started this whole process so switching shaft size probably isn't a viable option.