Runaway Prop Shaft Prevention

[kalinowski]

I readily admit that I know very little about the drive train, but am seeking knowledge as I convert to an electric drive system.

I have removed the Westerbeast and the Vdrive. I am curious about what holds the prop shaft in the boat. Are just the two bolts and set screw on the prop shaft coupling all that keeps it captured? Or is there a thrust bearing somewhere (in the shaft strut?) that keeps it in place?
Thanks
Dan Kalinowski
Jolly Lama #135
Keehi Lagoon, O’ahu
Thanks

[RichCarter]

Dan,
The end of the shaft sits in a coupling that attaches to the V-drive. The coupling clamps tightly around the end of the shaft and has a set-screw that also holds it in place. A key keeps it from spinning in the coupling. In forward, thrust pushes the shaft forward anyway but in reverse I have heard of rare stories of boats losing their shaft if the coupling isn’t maintained properly. In theory the shaft could only pull out until it hits the zinc against the strut but if the boat truly isn’t maintained there is no zinc.

Rich

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