access shaft seal

[cleifels11]

Can anyone tell me how to access the starboard shaft seal on a 1996 Carver 355?

[tgmkwill]

If you are talking about the rudder shaft, you have to take the nightstand cabinet next to bed completely apart, including the frame from the wall.

If you are talking accessing the prop shaft packing there is across by removing the bottom step going down into the aft bedroom or top step, I can't remember which one,

[g36]

Neither one is going to be easy sounds like

[Viper]

Ya I can't remember the vintages but some aft cabin stairs come off and some don't. It's easier access through the stairs. The other way I can remember if you don't have removable stairs is lying over the engine, not fun.

[tomschauer]

The aft cabin stairs on my 1998 355 are removable with a couple screws holding them in place. You have to feel around in the carpet to find them. I haven't removed them in a couple years, but I believe there are four screws. I would image a 1996 is the same.

[cleifels11]

Thanks for the help, i thought i would have to remove the steps but before i did i thought i would ask

[tomschauer]

Once you find the screws, the steps lift out quite easily and give you pretty good access. Much better than the port side, crawling through the little access panel in the aft cabin!