Bearings for Rotostay

[gandy]

Hi,

I need to replace at least one set of bearings in the Rotostay system. Anyone have any idea whether these could be obtained from alternative sources? Prices from the manufacturer seem a bit high.

While I'm on the subject, do you reckon it needs special grease, or just ordinary Castrol LM or similar?

The lower bearings look like this ..

 

[Poignard]

Might be worth asking:
Scots Bearings
15 & 16 Robert Leach Centre
Kirkhill Industrial Estate
Dyce
Aberdeen
01224 770346

Please let us know how you get on. I plan to overhaul my Rotostay this winter and I intend to try my local bearing suppliers but unless there's a huge price difference it might not be worth taking time off work to go and get them.

 

[FrankJB]

Ashley Power Ltd
580-586, Ashley Rd, Poole, Dorset BH14 0AQ
Tel: 01202 746031


These guys are a bit nearer the Solent than Aberdeen. Certainly worh a try as they are always very helpful. They have a website:
Ashley Power home page

 

[Talbot]

The bearings for a rotostay, are supposed to have a special coating, but I am dubious. In my case, the problems were less a problem of the balls although they were worn, and more a problem with the bearing itself. and XW should be able to replace that as well for loads of money!

I prefer quicksilver general purpose grease with teflon, cause I reckon it works better and resists becoming solid gunk in salt water far better than most others.

Make sure you liberally grease the stainless part of the forestay above the drum where it enters the foil, as that is a favourite place for problems.

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
These guys are a bit nearer the Solent than Aberdeen. Certainly worh a try as they are always very helpful. They have a website:
Ashley Power home page

[/ QUOTE ]Why when Gandy_Goose (aka Tony) gives his location as Aberdeen with his boat in Scotland would he want to look near the Solent. This is a world wide forum NOT the "Solent Cruising and Racing Club".

Tony, if you take the bearing off you may find a number on the races if not take the bearing into somewhere like BSL/Fenners etc and they will be able to match it I am sure. There should be such a bearing supplier in ABERDEEN near where you are.
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[Rickm505]

I replaced my lower Rotostay Bearing this past spring. I obtained the replacement from Rotostay.

They were very helpful and the service was excellent, considering I'm on a different continent.

Rick in Florida, USA

 

[gandy]

Cheers Cliff,

Maybe Frank's comments were meant to be addressed to Twisterowner. It gave me a chuckle anyway.

There's two sets of bearings, one in the drum (shown in my picture) and one in the top swivel. The bearings look the same. The drum bearings had discoloured grease with "bits" of corrosion and staining etc. The top bearing grease was clean.

Next step is to drive out the roll pins and inspect the bearings properly. At least one runs notchy under rig tension. I can't simulate that on the bench, but if one race is worn and the other not I may just replace the worn one. If I can't see visible wear I'll probably play safe and renew both.