Cutlass bearing

[neil1967]

The cutlass bearing on my recently acquired yacht is slightly worn, with around 1mm of play (by eye/feel). The yards view is that the bearing could have another season or two life in it (it was replaced in 2003), but they, perhaps understandably, wouldn't vouch for the adhesion between the bearing outer and the rubber. The boat has been out of the water for the last couple of years and prior to that had sailed to the med and back. Time is against me for getting a replacement bearing and getting it fitted before we relaunch. Is the 'warning' about the adhesion just a standard disclaimer and given the small amount of play do you reckon I am ok to wait for another season before replacing, or should I play safe and replace now?

Regards

Neil

 

[vyv_cox]

I have never heard of the vulcanised adhesion failing, whether on a bearing continually immersed or on one out of the water for some time. Given that you accept that the support is not all it could be due to the clearance, which may produce some noise and vibration at certain engine revs, I would go for it as it is.

 

[John_d_Smith]

I'd go for it, It's a gamble but you know that. I had a similar amount of play in a bearing which went on for years. No one would vouch for the bond of the rubber to brass bonding of a cutlass bearing that was not fitted by them in the last 12 months.

 

[neil1967]

Thanks for the advice, which confirms my thoughts.

Much appreciated,

Neil

 

[Neil_Y]

I have heard of rubber separating from carriers, but believe this to be on cheaper makes, I've never actually seen one.

Assuming you are talking about a 25mm shaft (40 carrier) then new you're looking at 0.13mm and suggested change at or approaching 0.62mm movement or radial displacement. So 1.00mm is quite worn in our terms.

On a small low power boat I've never heard of catastrophic failures that I've seen on bigger bearings, so as others have said if it wears rapidly you'll just get vibration and noise.

 

[nedmin]

They do swell when they get wet so may take up some of the slack