How do I replace the cutless bearing on an Albin Ballad 30?

You can replace the cutless bearing on an Albin Ballad without pulling the propshaft entirely by using a mechanical bearing press tool, provided you can remove the propeller. If the prop is seized or clearance to the rudder is too tight, you must uncouple the shaft from the gearbox and slide it aft to access the P-bracket.

Removing the propeller

The Albin Ballad features a skeg-hung rudder. This leaves limited space between the P-bracket and the rudder blade. Remove the split pin, undo the propeller nut, and use a heavy-duty three-leg puller to pop the prop off the taper. If the taper holds fast, apply tension with the puller and give the centre bolt a sharp tap with a 2lb lump hammer. Leave the prop nut loosely threaded on the shaft so the propeller cannot fly off and cause injury when it breaks free.

Check the gap between the end of the shaft and the rudder. Without a specialised collet-style bearing press, you need enough space to slide the shaft completely out of the P-bracket. If the rudder blocks the shaft, undo the four bolts at the gearbox coupling, separate the flanges, and slide the shaft aft. Removing the engine coupling flange sometimes allows you to pull the shaft forward into the cabin. The engine usually blocks this route on a Ballad.

Extracting the old bearing

The original Ballad P-bracket houses a brass-shelled cutless bearing. Look closely at the sides of the P-bracket for one or two locking grub screws. These are usually 4mm or 5mm Allen key size and hold the bearing in place. You must remove them first. They are often painted over or filled with antifouling.

With the shaft out of the way, the easiest removal method requires a hacksaw. Disconnect the blade, pass it through the centre of the bearing, and reattach it to the frame. Cut a slot along the length of the brass bearing shell. Take extreme care not to cut too deep and score the bronze P-bracket. Once you cut a slot, collapse the shell inwards with a cold chisel and a hammer. Pull the shell out with mole grips.

Sourcing the replacement bearing

Most Albin Ballads running modern replacement engines (like a Volvo Penta D1-20 or Yanmar 2YM15) use a 25mm metric propshaft. The required bearing is a standard 25mm internal diameter by 1.5-inch (approx 38.1mm) outside diameter, and 100mm long. This size goes by the trade name Countess or similar. Expect to pay around £45 to £60 for a Vetus or Exalto unit.