[Public-list] Engine alignment question

[FINNUS505 at aol.com]

Hello Fellow Albergers,
 
Ugh....End of July is no time to be installing an engine in a  hot, Mass 
boatyard, but circumstances beyond my control have put me here.  Oh well.
 
How do 'we' determine the actual shaft position for alignment purposes,  with 
that flexible stuffing box hose allowing the shaft to slop around a half  
inch to either side and up and down? Has anyone developed a good technique, or  
even a neat trick to do this reasonably easily and accurately?
 
What is the size hose, and method of choice for replacing the hose of the  
flexible stuffing box?
 
Of the two bolts that secure the cutlass bearing housing to the hull, the  
lower bolt is stripped on Stargazer. It was that way when we bought the boat. Of 
 course, I only found that out the first time I removed the housing. I've 
been  setting the bolt in 3M5200 when reseating the housing, and that seems to 
work,  but if someone can recommend a good, doable method for restoring the 
thread, I  would do it.
 
Think of me while you are sailing. :)
 
Thx,
Lee
Stargazer #255