Weld and turn worn propshaft?

[LWJ]

Hello,
My propshaft is .030 undersized at the cutlass bearing. Boat yard wants to replace for $500. I have had car parts welded up then turned to size at a machine shop for much less. Am I missing something? A special marine alloy perhaps?

Thanks,
Larry

[John Rogers]

Can it be sleeved? That is what we did with sea water pump shafts back when I was in the Navy. I would imagine it is an alloy of some sort of stainless, alloy 600 or inconel and those are expensive metals. If it were me I'd just ask the guy.....how come?

[LWJ]

Never mind. Marine stainless. Gonna cost $$$

[908/930]

Hi LWJ,

Just my 2c, if you know what alloy it is made from( something that welds ok 316ss 304ss) you could probably weld it and then straighten it, if you are not sure of the material you are taking a chance. Being stainless it will bend when it is welded, that is probably why most boatyards won't bother, it will require straightening.

You can possibly find a shop that can spray arc some material on there, different process less heat.

$500 depending on the size is not too bad, BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand.

Is there another size cutlass bearing that is slightly smaller id? turn the shaft to fit.

[LWJ]

That may be the ticket. Smaller cutlass bearing! Thanks!