Strut alignment, Freedom 39 PH

Engines, Drive trains, Propellers, Steering, Ground Tackle and other mechanical system
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monroe
Posts: 29
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:33 pm
Location: La Paz, BCS, Mexico

Strut alignment, Freedom 39 PH

Post by monroe »

Our strut is not in proper alignment with the propeller shaft and shaft log, thus causing wear on the cutlass bearing. Yes, we have adjusted the engine and shaft as much as possible, and we're still off. Looks like it might have been a day one issue, there's no indication that there's been any damage. We've only had the boat for 1 year/1500 miles.

The strut is held in place on top by 4 nuts, but the bottom is unknown. It is glassed in. Does anyone know how the strut is designed, and how much glass we will need to remove in order to re-align it?

Thanks

Doug and Cindy Monroe
s/v Spartan
Ensenada, MX.
Douglas Monroe
s/v Spartan, 1983 Freedom 39 Deck Salon
La Paz, BCS, Mexico

midnightsailor
Posts: 140
Joined: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:21 pm
Location: Greenport, New York

Re: Strut alignment, Freedom 39 PH

Post by midnightsailor »

Are you absolutely positive its the strut ? Seems like a rather major thing to have gone un-noticed or uncorrected for such a long time. Not to say it ? couldn't happen at the factory but rather unlikely in my opinion. Have you checked to be certain that the shaft is true?
1982 Freedom 33 Cat Ketch, Hull # 53, Standard Booms, deep keel ,tall rig
An armed man is a citizen, An unarmed man is a subject. George Washington

Stormjib
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 10:45 pm

Re: Strut alignment, Freedom 39 PH

Post by Stormjib »

Hi All,
I'm new to the Freedom world but I'm currently looking at buying a 1984 Freedom 39 schooner. I think she would be ideal for cruising the eastern seaboard. I do have one question for the group I noticed that the strut is angled to the right just a few degrees from plumb along with the prop shaft. It doesn't look bent but is this normal? The engine doesn't appear to be positioned off center either. Is this how they were built or is this an issue? I know that the Sabre's are built with the prop shaft just slightly off center.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Michael

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