update: old strut with egg shaped shaft hole: got it all installed, hit the water and all was well right up until the boat got to plane, then a weird vibration was obvious and we shut 'er down. Got a new (used) shaft, easily pushed in a new bearing and took the boat to Great Northern Boatworks in St...

Well, got 'er done. "polished" the shaft with 400 paper, lubed the bearing and shaft with dish soap. Still couldn't get it to budge by pushing,even with my back against the wall and carefully leg pressing the strut. So, I built up a rig for $9 at HD. Pipe coupler from plumbing, 3/4" all thread, nuts...

Okay, a bearing press got the Cutless installed, no problem. But the bearing has now taken on the "egged" shape and I cannot get the shaft through the bearing. 1.25" shaft, most narrow bearing diameter is 1.22. I think I will lube it well and carefully use a various length sleeves and the prop nut t...

Thank you for your comment. I did have a chance to mike this out and the max-min looks to be 1.520 to 1.456". I will certainly freeze the bearing. How about heating the strut? I am Luke-warm on this...as the expansion would most likely go inward as well as outward. I am looking very closely at the s...

I decided to address the slight play I had in the strut bearing of my U-22. Took off the strut and got the old bearing out, easy enough. I have a new cutlass bearing on order, HOWEVER, I am looking at the strut and the hole for the shaft is visibly NOT round. It is off (shy) of 1.5" by as much as a ...

New fuel pump, the boat ran like a champ yesterday on the St. Croix!

Bit the bullet and brought the boat to a Crusader shop today. They called and said they cannot find anything wrong with the wiring, so therefore they will replace the fuel pump and go from there. I appreciate all the comments and will post the final outcome.

Got the boat in the water yesterday, put in the key, turned it to the on position. POP! The fuel pump fuse actually exploded. Carefully cleaned that all up, and put in a new 8A slow blow fuse. Turned the key, black fuse instantly. I believe what ever is causing the problem is only enhanced by a bett...

more info: Wiring is in perfect condition. The only thing "downstream" of the fuse is the fuel pump. all voltage readings check out as I would anticipate. No voltage between ground on the block near the fuel pump and the battery negative post. I put in a new 5W slow blow fuse. With the key in the 'o...

Thanks Jim. Changed the fuel filter and got proper fuses today. Insert key, fuel pump comes on, turn off key. I repeated that 10 times, with the fuel pump coming on every time. Then I pressed the start button and she fired right up. Low RMP's, medium RPM's. Ran it for only a few minutes because I am...

Troubleshooting question: The fuel pump fuse on my 2001 Crusader 5.7L has developed a habit of blowing about 3 minutes after starting the engine. My manual calls for a 5A slow-blow fuse but the original fuse installed as a 30A fast-blow. This fuse worked for the past 5 years with no problems. I am g...

After a nice (not) over heated engine incident on the Mississippi (Lake Pepin) last weekend, I discovered that my raw water pump impeller had disappeared. (not a mention of service or inspection intervals in my Crusader Owner's Manual, however I did notice they started adding suggested 50 hour inspe...

I am getting ready to put a few coats of varnish on this spring. On the side planks, I have some seams that have squeezed/pushed out varnish and this appears like 'tears' along the seam, with even some bare stained wood in view. I am afraid that just sanding these smooth and varnishing will invite a...

If I trust the tach, I can run her up over 4000RPM no problem. After that, the boat is moving so fast that we need very smooth water to run faster. It would be nice to have a bit more top end. No problem on the low end, she pops right out of the water.

Hi Al,

I've got a 1:1 Velvet drive. My current prop has the following markings on it:
16RH14
16x11
1 1/4
Cupni Brai

Well, we smacked something this afternoon at about 3500 RPM. I'd say this prop is done. Since I'm buying a replacement, it brings up the opportunity to make a change. I have a 350V8 Crusader in the boat and all has been well with our existing prop. I'll leave the size/pitch a mystery as I would love...

Anyone have an idea where to get a replacement? This is a simple two position key switch. It is round on the dash. I can find lots of 'hex' switches, but round is proving difficult. I'm not hung up on original as this is a user boat...but the hex is not right!

Thanks!

Hi Wilson,

Can you update me on the status of my copy?

My check number 5063 was cashed on 1/26/06. Thanks!!

Rob

I am looking for parts, drawings, anything relating to a folding canvas cover for my 1950 CC Sportsman.

Thanks!

Bill:

Were the 'donors' supposed to get a 'free' copy of the DVD?

Thanks