SHAFT ALIGNMENT need a game plan. confused

OK fellas,
Need your help.
A little back ground:
I bought this boat not running. I have rebuilt the entire floor. stringers, and new motor and tranny.
The only original part I kept in place was the shaft, strut and shaft coupler. Everything looks solid and not bent, but who knows.

I need a game plan how to align shaft and coupler (understand to move engine mounts around). I have read a few post and still confused. Not sure all the parts names as well - like log pipe and so on.... Please clarify.

here are some pics of my setup
https://www.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8a6b668a5c62757da4a6

I know I need to bring coupler within .003, but what I need help on is alignment from strut up to engine.

I read about washers used for spacing - not clear where they are putting them ??

Also, since boat has not been on water for 6+ years. should I lubricate shaft somehow as I attempt to hook it up to tranny coupler?

It seems to have the happiest turning spot when the shaft is laying against bottom of the thru hole/ when i move it to center and try to turn it the shaft seems less smooth.

How do I shim it to make shaft center in thru hole?

Thank you CC fans, could make it happen with out you...

Mark

Mark,
The first thing you need to keep in mind is alignment starts at the strut and goes forward. It sounds like you have been doing some reading and understand that you want to find the "sweet spot" where the shaft turns freely and is centered in the log (casting glassed into the hull to hold the packing gland).

Have you installed a new cutlass bearing (rubber bushing in the strut)? If not, I suggest this is the time to do it.

Now, if the sweet spot is low in the log, then you'll want the flat washers between the strut and hull on the two aft bolts. This will raise the shaft sweet spot in the log. Dry fit, check and report back.

Keeganino wrote: I am no expert but if the sweet spot is at the low point in the log, maybe he just needs to raise the engine using the mount adjustments before putting washers between the strut and hull?

No, the strut and log need to be aligned before you even start messing with the position of the powertrain.

Thats what Pete means when he says that alignment starts from the strut forward.