Removing velvet drive with boat in water

[jhdean]

I'm planning to remove the starboard side velvet drive Mod 10-17-008 transmission for a rebuild this weekend and I have a few questions I hope to get answered first. The boat is a 1981 36' Tri-cabin powered by 350ci Crusader marine engines. I would like to do the work with the boat in the water but was wondering about being able to slide the shaft back far enough to get the trans off the engine and if I need to do anything with the shaft packing to allow this and keep it from taking on water, Also is it possible to do this without disturbing the rear engine mounts?
Any information, hints , tips would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
John Dean
36' Tri-cabin "The Last Resort"
Bridgeport, NY

[prowlersfish]

I have never seen the need to pull the boat to change an engine or a trans. The rear mounts do bolt to the trans. Watch the exhaust boot when lifting the rear of the engine don't want to pull it off .

[RWS]

suggest you soak the motor mount adjusters in PB BLASTER

when you reinstall the gear be sure to check the coupler alignment

the Blaster soak will make any adjustments much easier

RWS

[zedtwentyate]

There should be more than enough room to slide the shaft back. You shouldn’t need to do anything to the packing to make this work. If the rear mounts are attached to the transmission (not sure on your boat), you will likely need to remove them too. Take pictures and mark things to make reinstall a little easier. You’ll also need to fab a support of sorts for the rear of the engine. Something that can hold 500+ lbs.

Feeler gauges and patience are needed for reinstall and alignment.

[zedtwentyate]

Also, it looks like my post may be too late. Let us know how it went. I believe I pass your boat on Chittenango creek a few times a year.