In what condition must a cutter be for final shaft adjustments?

The correct condition for making final shaft adjustments is when the cutter is in water and at normal loading conditions. This ensures that the shaft alignment and performance are evaluated properly under the operational conditions the vessel will typically encounter.

When the cutter is afloat and under normal load, it mimics the real-world dynamics that the vessel will experience while in use. It allows for accurate assessments of how the shaft interacts with the propulsion system and the hull during regular operations, enabling any necessary adjustments to be made for optimal performance.

Using normal loading conditions prevents any misalignment or adjustment that might occur if the vessel were under maximum or minimum load conditions, where the weight distribution and buoyancy could alter the alignment dynamics of the shaft. Thus, ensuring the cutter is in water and at normal loading is vital for the precision needed in final shaft adjustments.