I am very new here. My name is Robert and I am currently under contract for a N26U with the Westerbeke 18HP.
I have recently got the survey report back and in the report it says that the prop shaft and coupler should be replaced. I believe the coupler is badly rusted. The prop shaft is in better condition.
I’m trying to find a ballpark figure as to what this might run me for the parts. This will be my first boat and I am not familiar with these parts and this repair. I mean I know what the prop shaft does and am pretty sure I understand the function of the coupler.
Tell us more about the boat you're buying and where you are.
I've just been down this road and don't have the bill yet. I'm sure
others will add to the data.
Things to consider along with a new shaft and coupler
Alignment of motor with new shaft - necessary (and rechecked after boat
is back in the water)
possible motor mount replacement- needs to be checked and considered for
alignment to be effective
Cutless bearing replacement- if needed
dripless shaft seal to replace stuffing box- not necessary but desirable by
some
Check and possible recondition/change of prop
Robert,
you don’t mention whether you live in the U.S. or Canada. It usually makes a difference on price.
I recently paid $430 for a new shaft in British Columbia, Canada. I could not find a listing for a coupler price. I recommend a split coupler as it makes removal in the future much easier and therefore cheaper. The old solid couplers can be time consuming to remove. In your case if you are planning to replace the shaft it might be quicker and cheaper to cut the shaft inside the boat so that the coupler does not have to be removed.
No sure how much to allow for labour in terms of adjusting the purchase price.
The boat is in Maryland and I’m currently in Pittsburgh. I will be doing some coastal cruising and heading down south to the Keys. This year has reminded me that life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Because of this, I have decided to chase some of my dreams while I still can.
The boat has had two owners. Technically, I guess three but the last two were father and son. It’s been neglected for several years and needs a few things to bring it back to it’s former glory. Hull number is 187.
The stuffing box was repacked Thursday after the sea trial with the surveyor as it was leaking a good bit.
I’m not trying to recoup labor costs but would like to help defray some of the costs due to the neglect.
Hi Robert,
Welcome to the Nonsuch family. Will you be keeping the boat in Maryland when you’re not off cruising the east coast? If so, I’d like to invite you to become a member of the Chesapeake Bay Nonsuch Association. In non pandemic times we have fun events throughout the year.
Regards,
Like Joe and Mark, I had a new prop shaft and cutlass bearing and new rubber tube for the old non-dripless seal installed. The shaft was in Canadian $$ under 500.00 machined.
I had a new motor put in, and, on removal and inspection, the yard noted that the old coupler had worn (due to loose fit) the old shaft.
I kept the old packing seal; I have no problem with packing seals, so kept it as it was.
Welcome aboard, Robert. Note how most of us sign our posts. It tells us who you are, where the boat is and what it is.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Thanks Mark and John for giving me an idea of what to expect as far as price. Thanks Joe for letting me know what else to expect with a new shaft and coupler.
Jim, I’m not exactly sure what my medium and long term plans are yet. Thanks for the invite and I will definitely keep the Chesapeake Bay Nonsuch Association in mind if I decide to keep it there.
Joe V., I have noticed the signatures. I’ll be sure to edit that when I close on the boat. Until then, I’m not quite ready to hatch my eggs. I recently joined another boating association because I was sure I was going purchase a particular boat. That didn’t pan out as I planned.
I love that there is an active group of Nonsuch owners out there.
Robert,
Welcome aboard. We purchased a N26C last January. We had a shaft and coupling done for @$500. Also had prop machined and faired for another 280. Make sure they place a dimple on the shaft and fair the coupling to the shaft. I would have one reputable shop take responsibility for the whole shat project from start to finish. Good luck with your purchase!
A shaft coupling is not an engine part. There is no reason to pay Westy prices. This site was about the first to come up when I searched “prop shaft coupling”.
They are somewhat less pricy than Westerbeke. There are lots more places to shop.
Thanks again everyone! This group has already been a great resource.
I will be closing on the boat tomorrow and soon enough I’ll be living aboard. The plan is to get the boat south and get it out of the water for bottom paint and whatever else it needs before continuing down to the Keys.
Robert Cunningham
NS26U #187 (currently Puffin II)
Galesville, MD
Robert,
don’t like to be a kill joy, but I think you need to get back there as soon as possible and give the transmission housing a really good clean. If it is not too badly corroded you can then paint it with something like Tremclad Rust Paint. Based on the photo it looks like the transmission case, if not the entire transmission may need to be replaced.
