How do I replace the cutless bearing on a Bavaria 37 Cruiser?
I want to replace the cutless bearing on my Bavaria 37 Cruiser during the next lift-out. Can I order the bearing beforehand, and do I need to remove the propeller shaft to get the old one out?
Answer
First check whether your Bavaria 37 Cruiser has a saildrive or a conventional propeller shaft, as a saildrive has no separate water-lubricated cutless bearing to replace. With shaft drive, haul out, establish the bearing dimensions and locate the retaining screws, then press or pull out the bearing without loading the shaft or damaging the housing.
Check the drive arrangement
Many Bavaria Cruiser 37 yachts have Volvo Penta saildrives, but names and specifications vary between production generations. Check the installation before ordering parts. A saildrive has a substantial leg beneath the engine, with the propeller mounted directly on its horizontal output shaft. Conventional shaft drive has a long stainless-steel shaft running aft through the hull.
On a saildrive, propeller movement can come from the folding-propeller mechanism, hub bushes or internal shaft bearings. Each needs different checks. Replacing an internal saildrive bearing is a gearbox repair.
For shaft drive, inspect the rubber-lined bearing in the external shaft bracket or stern-tube housing. With the propeller stationary, lift the shaft beside the bearing and look for movement between the shaft and rubber. Uneven clearance, damaged rubber or a shaft knocking against its support warrants investigation. Vibration alone does not prove bearing wear. Fouling, a damaged propeller and poor alignment can cause similar symptoms.
Identify the bearing dimensions
Order by three dimensions: shaft diameter, bearing outside diameter and bearing length. Establish whether the outer shell is bronze or composite. A listing that mentions Bavaria or a similar-sized yacht is not enough to identify the bearing.
- Measure an accessible, unworn section of shaft with a vernier calliper.
- Obtain the bearing outside diameter and length from the existing part, an installation drawing or a supplier matching your hull number.
- Check for a shoulder inside the housing that determines the removal direction.
- Locate the retaining grub screws; antifouling can conceal their sockets.
A 25 mm shaft does not establish the bearing outside diameter. Shells around 38 mm and 40 mm are different fittings. Owner reports for other yacht makes cannot establish your Bavaria's dimensions. If the installation is undocumented, plan to measure at lift-out and arrange prompt supply.
For budgeting, small yacht bearings from suppliers such as Vetus or Countrose often cost roughly £40 to £120. Yard labour, extraction difficulties and lifting charges add to the bill.
Remove the bearing safely
Work ashore with the boat properly supported. Isolate engine starting and support the propeller shaft whenever its normal support is removed.