All rubber cutlass bearing - rubbish or good?

[Ianqv]

Hi All,

I've been looking at cutlass bearings lately, and their design appears to have changed from the robust bearing encapsulated in a brass housing, to what can only be described as a "cost reduced" all rubber bearing.
Whilst the all rubber bearing looks easier to replace again in the future, I can't help thinking that it just does not look as robust as the conventional brass encapsulated type.

Has anyone fitted the all rubber bearing? If so what are your thoughts?

As always….. Many thanks for any help or advice offered.

Ian and Sarah

 

[FullCircle]

Hi All,

I've been looking at cutlass bearings lately, and their design appears to have changed from the robust bearing encapsulated in a brass housing, to what can only be described as a "cost reduced" all rubber bearing.
Whilst the all rubber bearing looks easier to replace again in the future, I can't help thinking that it just does not look as robust as the conventional brass encapsulated type.

Has anyone fitted the all rubber bearing? If so what are your thoughts?

As always….. Many thanks for any help or advice offered.

Ian and Sarah

Standard fitment on most new boats. Performed well on my Jeanneau for 5 seasons, just replacing it now, only because it says to look at it in my service schedule. While I have it all stripped down I will replace it, and possibly toss the old one in the spares box if it is still good.

Cheap replacements from ASAP Supplies.

 

[Ianqv]

cutlass

Many thanks for the reply.

Regards

Ian and Sarah

 

[ditchcrawler]

I have had the Volvo shaft seal on a couple of boats and it works very well.I think it is one of the best and most cost effective items Volvo make.You just have to grease it once a year and burp it (let some water in) when you launch.If you are on a drying mooring or marina you do have to burp each time after drying out.

 

[Silent Lady]

Beneteau 323

Ours HAD rubber type one that lasted 3 years . Well worn when I replaced it . I did not know that Foxs keep them as a spare so found one of the old brass type ones with a rubber inner . The one that came out was very loose the new one that went back in will need a puller to get it out . . I was a bit surprised at how floppy the rubber one felt and how easy it was to get out which means it was not a very good fit in the tube in the first place. Hope to get a bit longer out of the new one .

 

[Athene V30]

Gruntle has just helped me fit the ASAP bearing in Karouise (well I made the tea) - It certainly wasn´t expensive.

 

[ditchcrawler]

I should have read that you said cutless bearing.My apologies.

 

[Neil_Y]

The most recent materials used for water lubricated shaft bearings are fully composite, no bronze and no rubber.

As far as the rubber in bronze or grp is concerned the only issue is knowing the clearances when the bearing is inserted. Some are designed for a clearance fit (ID remains the same) others will be designed for an accurate ammount of interference where the ID will be slightly smaller once the bearing is pressed in.