Stern Tube Repair on IP27

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by Michael Luskin 25 October 2015 Engines Mamaroneck, NY 15 photos 1199 views

Photos show how I removed and replaced the badly corroded upper bolt securing the stern tube to the hull on my IP27. There is no ready access to the stern tube from inside the boat, so I had to install the new bolt working blind.

Prop and stern tube. Barnacles and bottom paint removed with paint stripper, wire brush, and 100-grit sandpaper.

Prop. My IP27-146 has a Michigan Wheel 15x12" RH prop on a 1" shaft. Way too much prop for the boat and I'm sure the…

Upper Bolt. Close up showing the head on the upper bolt on the stern tube was completely corroded.

Upper Bolt Removed. I twisted the head off and punched the body of the bolt into the bilge with a drift pin and small…

Inside View. Lower stern tube bolt & nut visible. Upper bolt invisible and unreachable by adult hands.

Upper Bolt Hole. This is the hole the new upper bolt will go through. The camera was tilted, so the photo is, too.

Wire Brush. To smooth the mounting surface for the new bolt, I taped a stainless steel wire brush into a deep socket on…

Cleaning Pad. I then wrapped the brush with a rag, taped it on, and soaked it in acetone to clean up the mounting area.

Hardware. Flat washer and new ground/bonding wire on 3/8 x 1-1/4" bolt, taped to socket on long extension. I actually…

Socket Wrench. Wrench and extension loosely taped to drive shaft so they don't end up in the bilge. Turned clockwise to…

Close Up. There's room for the socket on an extension, but for nothing else. Note the ground/bonding wire on the left.

Ground Wire. Led up and through engine compartment bulkhead, around fuel tank and down to rudder post tube.

Ground Wires. The wire from the stern tube and the wire to the engine are attached with a stainless steel hose clamp.…

Lock Nut. Lock nut with nylon insert installed on upper stern tube bolt. I trimmed it down and ground it smooth. The…

Prop & Stern Tube. Both coated with Lanocote Prop & Anti-Fouling goop.

Disclaimer

Sincerely,

The International IPYOA administration team.