Small marine engines can be bought so reasonably now that many owners of small craft, skiffs, and canoes would install an engine were it not for the trouble and expense of putting on a skag and shaft log. An easy way to overcome this difficulty is shown in the diagram. It has been tried by the writer, and is a success.

Fig. 349 - Shaft bearing for a small boat.

A shaft bearing is made of iron, in the form of a Y, and fastened to the stern of the boat to support the shaft. A longer piece is fastened to this and to the bottom of the boat to protect the propeller. A projection of this in the rear will carry the rudder. A small shaft log is fitted inside the boat, with the stuffing box on the inside, which can easily be packed from the inside without removing the boat from the water.