When my boat was last laid up, I noticed that the port side shaft had a LOT more resistance to rotate than the starboard shaft, which rotated quite freely and easily (and without vibration or lateral movement by the way). Ok, but could be because laid up on stilts, the boat changes shape, puts pressure on shaft bearings, etc.

So now with my boat in water, the same thing. Rotating the port shaft faces VERY noticeable resistance => engine must do more work to turn it. Starboard shaft rotates freely and efficiently.

I was hoping this was just an issue with the cutlass bearing, but I know that was optimistic thinking. I really think the truth is that the resistance is coming from inside the port engine itself. Any thoughts? Hate to have to have this engine pulled out when the boat otherwise seems to run well. But I know that resistance must have an effect that the engine has to overcome.

270 Crusaders.