Spare Shaft Tubes

Ormond Bert54 · Feb 15, 2012

My 1984 Bertram 54 has a couple of spare shaft tubes below the water line. I recall some discussion about the safety of these tubes at some point but I cannot find any information on the subject.

The tubes are capped off under the trim tabs and travel from there, through the lazarette and into the engine room where they are again capped off.

The tubes got my attention recently as I have been replacing some of the plywood platforms in my engine room. I noticed that one of the spare shaft tubes is missing a bolt that seems to lock one the end caps in place. Also, the other tube was previously secured with some metal strapping that has broken. Of course, I will replace that strapping.

Can somebody explain to me how these tubes are made? How the end caps are secured? Do they require maintenance? Are they a safety hazard? Should I plan on removing these tubes at some point and sealing the holes under the waterline? If they really are made of PVC, it sure seems like it would be easy to back into a dock or obstruction and break off the end cap, sinking the boat:-(

Mike

RT46 · Feb 17, 2012

I had a yard one time dammage an old unused transducer.

They repaired it by removing the old transducer and inserting a bronze thruhull and capped it off in the inside.

I think i would have rather had them remove and repair the hole with glass and or epoxy.

At least I could re-use the hole if i ever add another transducer or need another through hull.

I have sold that boat and as far as i know there are no issues 10 yrs later.

Loren Schweizer · Feb 17, 2012

The spare shaft tubes on your Bertram are schedule 80 PVC--that's the heavy duty pipe.
The forward ends are capped off; the aft ends connect to the transom through hulls with rubber hose/hose clamps.
Even if the outside cap fell completely off, only the tube would flood.
The through hull fittings and caps are heavy bronze.

Maintenance? The only possible weak link would be the hose/hose clamps. Might be a good idea to check these every couple of years. Use Marmon clamps, not the ones from Home Depot.

Safety hazard? Well, sure, if you're the type who worries about being beaned by falling Trent engine parts off an unlucky Airbus.

Yachtjocky · Feb 17, 2012

tubes

If any body has ever managed to open the plugs on the transom end of these tubes please tell me as I have tried and watched others try as well. I think I remember managing to open a pair many years ago only to find them empty.

Capt Ralph · Feb 18, 2012

When we purchased our '78, 58' Bert MY nobody could tell us if a spare shaft was in the tube or not. We went 4 years wondering about it. I was convinced we did because of a constant stb list.
We finally went on da hill and finally opened it up....... Dust dry and empty.
I blame the cats (4) litter box for the list now.

Nobody in their rite mind would try to replace one piece shafts this long in the water. My shaft must weigh near 450 pounds. So what a perfect place to store a shaft; low in the hull with aft access.

Capt Ralph · Feb 18, 2012

We have twin potable water tanks in the stern. I have isolated them with valves. While at dock, keep the port tank flooded and adjust the stb tank level until list is removed. About every other month, we wash the boat with all this water and re-flood the tanks and trim the boat again with dock water. On long deployments, we flood the stb tank, deal with a lil list for a few days until it's used then play with the water tanks and water makers to maintain a bias and trim.
Productive / counter-productive, I play a game with my self. Trim the boat with the water tanks, not the trim tabs.
Sorry to get off topic..

Back on topic;
Sure wish I had a spare shaft. Got a nice place to put it.

NYCAP123 · Feb 18, 2012

If you damage a shaft there's a good chance that's not all. So you'll probably be out of action for several days at least. However, spare props are almost a must have if you cruise. You can swap out a prop on a short haul or even in the water and be back underway in a few hours. Beats waiting a few days for one to be delivered. As for the list, there could be a million reasons from design to a bed, to a tank being an inch over to Aunt Bertha's pot roast last night depending on the size/weight of your boat. If it's not caused by something transient I'd drop in a little balast so you just need to use a little tab. Beats draining tanks every time you change direction or someone grabs a fast shower.

Capt Ralph · Feb 18, 2012

Were on a power boat. We make 20 hour runs. I like to think were real boaters. SO,,, what else ya going to do at 0200, make water and trim ship. Ballast is cheating and more weight. Playing with the water maker (@ 0200 till sunrise) is entertaining.
During the next year,(two year past due project) I'll be adding a second gen-set. It's new location should take care of the list we have and offer some service other than dead weight.
Then, I play with fore/aft trim @ 0200.

When I do get a spare shaft in da tube (lotto winner), I'll move Aunt Bertha's roast and guest around (overboard?).

We do change our wheels while in da water. Have it down to an hour drill per wheel. Were based out of North/East FL and S*** happens (often).

I've done it, but it's hard to bend a 2.5 inch shaft.

Capt J · Feb 19, 2012

I like to use lead bars to permanently make the list go away.....

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Spare Shaft Tubes

Ormond Bert54 Senior Member

RT46 Senior Member

Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

Yachtjocky Senior Member

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Capt Ralph Senior Member

NYCAP123 Senior Member

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Capt J Senior Member