Greg and Missy:
1) yes the shaft can be removed fairly easily and will clear the Rudder ONLY AFTER both  cutlass bearings are removed.The removal of the cutlass bearings allows just enough play for the shaft to pass on the side of the rudder when being removed.
2) I think it would really unwise and complicate the job by leaving the prop shaft in because you need to clean all surfaces and use a waterproof adhesive prior to reinstalling the new Cutlass bearings. Besides if you’re going to the trouble to remove the prop and replace the bearings you might as well true up the shaft while you’re at it.
3) The forward cutlass bearing on our 49 has a flange which is custom made and pressed in. If you have such a flanged bearing the best place to get it from would be Queen Long. The aft bearing on the strut is stock.
4) Unless you’re at a yard with a hydraulic bearing removal tool, a Strut Pro will reduce any chance of damage or loosening to the bronze skeg rather than the alternative of taking a sawzall to cut into the inner wall of the cutlass bearing or trying to beat it out by impact. The Strut pro alternative makes a fast and easy work of removing the aft cutlass bearing on the skeg.
5) When you replace your mounts, remember the starboard and port engine mounts are different models. make sure your installer gets the right specifications.  When I had them originally replaced, the installer put the same model mounts in all positions. I later had to have another installer replace the wrong mounts.

John
Windhorse H49-38

There are cutless bearing removal tools that do not require the shaft to be removed.  Go to Strutpro.com

On my 44 it was a standard size.

Joel
Atlantis
44 #66

Super rare centerboard option, gorgeous, loaded, Hylas 54 RS 'TARA' is coming on the market.  I want to make a note of it here on the Forum before listing her because a savings could be passed on to a buyer before marketing and listing costs are incurred by going totally through a broker.

Price is in range with the market. Not trying to come out highly priced to extract every dollar, but likewise, TARA is in very good shape and ready for cruising so we won't compare with the older 'need lots of work boats' listed. 

We are currently in St Martin and meandering our way up to FL in late May.  We are open to selling her at anytime along the way.  When we get to Florida we will be listing TARA with a broker and the price will change upwards to account for brokerage fees.

If you are seriously interested or know someone that is, please E-mail me at MPowell@WilPetro.com or text me at +1-918-671-0404 with an e-mail address and I will sent you a boat summary and pics.  We will be on and off cruising so it may not be an immediate response.  We can talk pricing on the phone after you have received the summary.  Please ONLY SERIOUS inquiries!

Mark & Lisa Powell

I've got a Yanmar, but when I pulled the tranny I was able to just slide the shaft back, but I only needed  to move the tranny back about 3 inches in order to remove it.

Used a sail tie around the aft end to help lift out the old and install the new without breaking my back.

I have a 1984 Stevens 47, excellent condition and equipment, for sale. Located in southern Florida.

Fred Stetson
508 360 0347