Mart I have removed the tube from the hull, 11mm i.D. which was made from a thick wall aluminium this meant my tube needed an additional outer tube to make up the difference. This was alright because it gave extra support in the hull. I had spoken to a Coppersmith friend who told me after softening the brass tube, block off the end with a wood dowel then to fill the tube with fine dry sand (See pic 018) compress it and after sealing the end off, the thin wall tube can be bent without the tube diameter being distorted. This I did and the bent tube now lines up between the hull and skeg. (see pics) I thought you meant to retain the teflon liner and I have put it inside the new brass tube, The skeg has two bearings inside and with the wall being thick enough (on the skeg) I have been able to bore it out to suit the new tube. Now I have got it lined up and needs fixing in the hull (pic 021). What started out as minor mod has turned into big overhaul, but should cover for any shaft problems.