Thanks for your comments. I have already sent both shaft and coupling out to
machine shop to check straightness. I also plan to replace the rubber hose
that the packing nut attaches to. When I get those back in I'll let you know
how things turn out.

Bob

"bob medico" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have a sailboat with a 1" stainless propellor shaft. The shaft is
supported outside by a rubber cutlass bearing in the hull (no strut).
Inside
there is a short piece of hose with a stuffing box/ packing nut. When the
coupling is disconnected at the transmission the shaft will sag about
1/2".
My question is how do you know when the shaft coupling is at the correct
hieght (up and down) prior to getting out the feeler gauge etc. I imagine
this is a common question?

TIA

Bob