Hi, all, our NT 32-238, a 2004 model has a 1 3/4" diameter prop shaft, cutless bearing measures 2 5/8" OD x 1 3/4" ID x 7" long.  Duramax brand "BUCK" and Morse brand "HADDO".  The shaft tube is 3 1/8" diameter and PSS shaft seal is 07-134-300R.

You might want to confirm this with David Allen at Nordic Tugs and/or other NT 32 owners.  We replaced the original PSS shaft seal in 2022, only due to age and really had a hard time distinguishing between the old and new.

We replaced the original shaft log on our Corbin 39 sailboat in 1997 with a PSS seal in Annapolis, MD, and ten years later replaced the PSS with a new PSS in Bundaberg, Australia at the recommendation of our insurers, and again had a hard time distinguishing between the old and new.  These things just do not wear out.

Harry Hungate and Jane Lothrop
Bessie NT 32-238
Gold Loopers and world circumnavigators

Hi all,
Just a contrary opinion to Harry's.
While the PSS may "look good" and many have actual experience letting them live in their boats long past their manufacturer's "best before" date without mishap, if you do this you are taking a risk. First off, this is the only thing keeping large amounts of sea water from entering the boat very quickly! A sudden failure could be a disaster. Second, should the failure of a long past due (important) maintenance item (the shaft seal) cause a major loss, this could be an "out" for your insurer to deny coverage?
The bellows is also like a "rubber spring" and will lose strength (spring/compression) slowly over time. Also, exposure to "bilge materials" or mechanical damage could lead to a sudden (or slow) failure. Rubber deteriorates over time. Best practise is to use the "Pro" (10 year version), inspect it at least annually, test the water supply at least annually, and replace it on or close to the recommended time interval.
However, each owner has to decide for themselves how they want to run their boat and how much "risk" they are willing to accept.
Just my opinion,
Tom Easterbrook
Formerly Pilitak NT 37-068
Nanaimo, BC

From: Harry Hungate via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: February 17, 2025 6:01 AM
To: sentoa@lists.sentoa.org sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Jim Pearson jimpearson3810@gmail.com; sentoa@lists.sentoa.org sentoa@lists.sentoa.org; Harry Hungate wcx7106@gmail.com
Subject: [Sentoa] Cutless bearing for NT 32

Hi, all, our NT 32-238, a 2004 model has a 1 3/4" diameter prop shaft, cutless bearing measures 2 5/8" OD x 1 3/4" ID x 7" long.  Duramax brand "BUCK" and Morse brand "HADDO".  The shaft tube is 3 1/8" diameter and PSS shaft seal is 07-134-300R.

You might want to confirm this with David Allen at Nordic Tugs and/or other NT 32 owners.  We replaced the original PSS shaft seal in 2022, only due to age and really had a hard time distinguishing between the old and new.

We replaced the original shaft log on our Corbin 39 sailboat in 1997 with a PSS seal in Annapolis, MD, and ten years later replaced the PSS with a new PSS in Bundaberg, Australia at the recommendation of our insurers, and again had a hard time distinguishing between the old and new.  These things just do not wear out.

Harry Hungate and Jane Lothrop
Bessie NT 32-238
Gold Loopers and world circumnavigators

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