Hi Ken- You don't say how large the shafts are, but if you can't see a substantial (1/8" or more) gap at the top or if you can't move the shaft up and down they won't need changing. This is a favorite job of the yards to do when it doesn't need doing. Ours is 2.5" and has 5300 hrs and it does not yet need to be changed. Go to a yard with a good reputation for honesty. Regards, John "Seahorse" >Looking for some direction on replacing the cutlass bearings on Trista Gray ( 60' Bluewater ). What I'm looking for is general information as to the process of having this job done by a local yard. I'm sure the yard folks know how to do the job, but I don't, and would like to have some knowledge as to the proper procedure in doing this job. i.e.. is it necessary to have the engines, and shafts realigned after the bearings have been replaced. I am planning on replacing the props at the same time, keeping the old ones as spares. Not having the experience of this job, I'm probably not even asking all the right questions, so please jump in with all help you may feel I could use. If additional information is needed please let me know. **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

Ken, What John says is true , hours alone, do not dictate a Cutless bearing change. But on a shaft of 1 3/4 to 2 inches or LESS most any movement will dictate a chg is needed. The most *significant symptom* is vibratation. Noting that vibratation can just as likely emanate from misalignment between the coupling and transmission. If one operates in muddy or sandy water then bearing wear is generally more pronounced. Getting nylon or poly line in the bearing does it no good as well!!!! I have never changed any but the one at the wheels, never the intermediate nor the one at the shaft log and I have 6,000 + hrs on the engines, all but the first 1200 mine. The foregoing is only my experience and as always YMMV. CCC CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA SUPPORT OUR TROOPS M/V CCRIDER PATTERSON, LA. http://geocities.com/charlesculotta