Cutlass bearing replacement?

[Charlie Boy]

Our cutlass bearing (in a ‘P’ bracket) is 10 or 11 years old. A yacht so the number of hours isn’t huge and no rumbling or vibration last year, but I’m wondering if I should replace it anyway?
What does the team think?

 

[vyv_cox]

What is the shaft to bearing clearance? Up to 1 mm or so for a 1 inch shaft is fine, over that and you need to think about replacement.

 

[Mistroma]

Have you measured the movement in the Cutless bearing recently? They can were out in a year or two or last for ages. Bad alignment and sandy or silty water speed up wear. No need to replace it if there's minimal movement. I've had one go inside a couple of years and another only replaced after 10-11 years and that was only because it was a convenient time before a long cruise.

 

[rogerthebodger]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

Mine is over 10 years old also with no rumble in the jungle.

 

[Charlie Boy]

Thanks chaps. I’ll be going down to the boat this week (March is here soon) so I’ll check the ‘play’ then.

 

[AndrewB]

They don't last forever. If there is any noticeable play when you jerk the shaft up and down or from side to side, its time has come. Once there is movement, that rumble means wear on the shaft - not good.

Replacing a cutless bearing is a DIY job, but the cost is a bit nasty- expect £50 or so for a new one.