Strut problems

Since owning my boat the cutlass bearing has worked it's way partially out of the strut a few times (and I just put it back in)...took the boat in for the 20hour service on the new engine and while it was there I figured I'd get em to replace that cutlass bearing, realign the engine/shaft, etc...make a full job of it.

Fella called yesterday and said that the reason the cutlass bearing had worked it's way out a few times was because the previous owner had run it w/out one at some point and the inside of the strut is wallowed out.

Short of it is that I need some strut work, or a new strut altogether...we can't find a strut in a few phone calls, so now we're either going to bore/hone till it matches a larger cutlass bearing or try to fill, then bore and hone back to normal size.

Anyone know of a location of a strut for a 1983 Fish Nautique (new or used) or have any thoughts on either version of machining the one I have?

Thanks

7, A new strut shouldn't be that hard to find. No matter who made the boat they have always been made in standard sizes and angles. Take a look:

struts

The next larger cutlass is 1/8" larger OD so you won't have much to machine especially if it has been wallowed out. The brass will be easy to cut but the set up with the angle on a mill will take some time. Good luck

Edit: Have you considered using a Loctite bearing retainer compound? Don't know how worn your strut is but the Loctite will fill up to .015 on each side. If you ever have to change the cutlass it may make it a little harder to remove but you have to cut old ones out anyway.