Hi Tom
I am not sure if the shaft had to be completely removed to replace the rubber shaft log boot, cutlass bearing and plumbers block, as I was busy doing other stuff whilst she was on the hard stand. Sorry I can't be more helpful but not having done this job myself, means that my recollection of the work is a bit patchy, as I had trades crawling all over the boat and lots of decisions to make…
It has taken me a year of sporadic work to finally make her seaworthy and am looking forward to our first cruise up the coast in a few weeks! Next job is restoring the teak deck, which has lots of meat left but needs quite a few screws replaced, as well as the Sikaflex in the grooves needing replacement. Might just drink beer instead and wait till Winter!
Merry Christmas
George