Cutlass Bearing

[Gezzer]

Does anybody know if there is a minimum distance from the face of the cutlass bearing to the face of the prop hub for effective water lubrication, After fitting new engine and prop I have about .6 of an inch, I guess this may decrease a little when running in fwd due to prop thrust against the engine mounts, is this enough or should I increase it.

Thanks



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[AndrewB]

Never heard of any specific requirement. The cutlass bearing should be water lubricated, drawing sea water in from ahead on a good installation, so a small gap is needed to let it through. And of course it wouldn't be clever to let the prop rub up against the bearing. 0.6" sounds sufficient, in fact mine is just 0.5". If prop thrust were to close this, then it would seriously distort the engine mounts and cause all sorts of problems. You would surely hear a lot of noise from the stern if it did.

 

[steve_cronin]

Re: Cutless Bearing

If your cutless bearing is fitted into a "P" bracket then 3/5 of an inch should be ample. After all there is a whole ocean of water connected to it!

If it is in the rear edge of a long keel then the gap has to provide entry and exit for water but again the massive thermal capacity of the sea only requires SOME movement of water. I wouldn't worry if I were you.

Steve Cronin

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