Catalina 350 International Association

After attempting replacement of the PSS shaft seal, the shaft was frozen to the coupling that connects it to the transmission coupling. After several attempts at removal, including using heat and a hydraulic puller, the yard concluded that the shaft will have to be cut from the coupling and replaced. They also believe that the rudder may interfere with the shaft removal in which case they would have to lower the rudder.

I've read some posts suggesting that by removing the cutlass bearing the shaft might be able to be angled past the rudder without having to drop it.

Does anyone have experience with removing the shaft and if the rudder must be lowered to allow removal? Any feedback is appreciated.

While I wasn't there at the time, the yard that cut and replaced the prop shaft on mine certainly didn't drop the rudder, so as far as I know there is enough play once the cutlass bearing is out that the shaft can be removed alongside the rudder.