28 TE shaft removal

[Rybo78]

Any chance this can be done without removing rudder? Purchased our "new" '01 this past August and the water pump let go a few hours later.... Pulling engine in order to drop the oil pan and remove the few missing ball bearings; may as well take the opportunity to catch up on more PM that's too often neglected.

[RobS]

Absolutely. Removal of the cutlass/stern bearing housing and the rudder shoe at the base of the rudder allows the rudder too be moved off center and enough clearance to slide the shaft right out. You may have to dig a little where the rudder shaft slides back and hits the ground depending on how she's blocked so hopefully she not on asphalt or concrete.

[Rybo78]

Fantastic! Thanks for the reply