Brass Case or Composite Cutless Bearing

[geepee]

ASAP website shows both types but no pros or cons for each type
About to replace mine, which is Brass Case - does anyone have experience of the Composite type or views on Composite versus Brass Case ?

thanks
Geof

 

[david_bagshaw]

ASAP website shows both types but no pros or cons for each type
About to replace mine, which is Brass Case - does anyone have experience of the Composite type or views on Composite versus Brass Case ?

thanks
Geof

We ran both in "A" brackets and outboard bearings with 1 1/2 inch shafts on a tsdy from 1980-1989 doing over 3000 hours.

from a wear perspective, no difference.
fitting, easier to damage the composite
removing easier to remove the composite (had to saw them out)

"felt" the brass rubber would suffer missalignment better
in reality both the composite and brass were still in service when the boat was sold

 

[Skysail]

Only a sample of one boat.

Composite bearing wore excessively after 2 years. Difficult to remove, very tight in P Bracket. I think I have seen that they swell?

Replaced with brass shell, still OK after 3 years, not had to remove it.

 

[Neil_Y]

Only a sample of one boat.

Composite bearing wore excessively after 2 years. Difficult to remove, very tight in P Bracket. I think I have seen that they swell?

Replaced with brass shell, still OK after 3 years, not had to remove it.

To save any confussion if the above comments are read in isolation.

The above quote I would guess refers to a composite shelled nitrile rubber bearing, not a composite bearing? It is normal practice to refer to the bearing surface material. This wouldn't have been an issue in the past (10 years ago) but an ever increasing number of vessels are now using Comnposite bearings, these have a composite bearing surface and are manufactured from one homogenious material (there is no shell or carrier as is needed with most nitrile rubber bearings) A composite bearing would not be tight as most are fitted as a clearance fit bedded on epoxy.

They are all water lubricated marine shaft bearings.

 

[charles_reed]

Have used both.

If you dont have access from both sides of the bearing holder and you might have to cut the cutless out, phenolic is preferable.
In the event of a major incident it's more likely to shatter.

In terms of wear no difference - I suspect the poster who had an unfortunate experience with a composite bearing also had an alignment problem.

All-in-all I prefer a brass shell bearing, if you have to use nitrile rubber.

 

[PCUK]

Phenolic every time. No difference in performance. No corrosion issues, easy to remove for replacement. Cheaper. No brainer!!!