I have a Wellcraft that I am restoring with twin BBC it is velvetdrive v drive . I have removed the struts and repaired the bottom replaced cutlass bearings and replaced stuffing boxes and had props and shafts reconditioned. My question is what is the best way to align everything up. I have heard of using a laser but what type of laser? Tell me the way you did yours ..Any idea or comments welcomed.

With the shaft flange unbolted from the transmission does it turn freely? You may need some wd40 on the cutlass. If so then your stuffing box should be lined up ok.

Slowly bring the shaft flange to the tranny flange, if they don't come together see if the motor needs to come up/down/port/starboard. Adjust as needed.

Once they come together, use a feeler gauge between the flanges to see if the front of the motor needs to come up/down or swing port/starboard. For example a gap at the top of the flange means the front of the motor needs to come up.

That is how I do it and works great as long as the shaft is straight, cutlass tight etc.

Installed one today ,used a feeler gauge to check the flange alignment

I have also used bronze shims under struts to get it right, my 34 sea ray had them from the factory years ago, they are hard to find though, ended up making them for my Gibson

First thing you need to do is make sure the strut, shaft log and engine are all in the same line. The shaft log is the one part that is not adjustable. So start at the strut, get the shaft pointing at the log. Then deal with the engine.

I made a laser tool with a cheap pointer and some delrin. I machined it to fit the strut/cutlass bearing. I'll post a picture of it shortly. The 3 screws are to adjust the pointer. I just rolled it around on some V blocks and adjusted until the laser dot didn't move.