Cutless bearing size issue...

[Captain Crisp]

Hi - I need to buy a cutlass bearing to fit a housing of 30.6 mm internal diameter... The nearest bearing I can find is 1 1/4 " which is about 1mm bigger. The previous bearing was phenolic. Will I be able to squeeze the 1 1/4 " bearing in, do you think?
Thanks,
Crisp

 

[Plum]

Hi - I need to buy a cutlass bearing to fit a housing of 30.6 mm internal diameter... The nearest bearing I can find is 1 1/4 " which is about 1mm bigger. The previous bearing was phenolic. Will I be able to squeeze the 1 1/4 " bearing in, do you think?
Thanks,
Crisp

No, you won't be able to squeeze it in. That is such an unusual diameter but if your measurement of the housing is correct and you want to ensure subsequent renewals are straightforward then I would consider:

1) buy a 1 1/4 inch bearing, remove housing and have the housing machined to fit.

2) buy two or three bearings and have them machined to fit so you have one or two in stock.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Poignard]

Do you have any objection to a phenolic bearing?
Standard Cutlass Bearing Range | Exalto UK

 

[Captain Crisp]

Do you have any objection to a phenolic bearing?
Standard Cutlass Bearing Range | Exalto UK

Hi - no objection at all, I think the previous one is phenolic...

But the closest I could find on Exalto is 1 1/4 " which is about 1mm too wide.

I was thinking maybe I could sand it down a bit? Also I would need to chop it down a bit lengthways, but I don't think that would be a problem?

Thanks,

Crisp

 

[Poignard]

I have an idea that phenol is carcinogenic.

Plum's suggestion of enlarging the housing to suit a standard size bearing seems the best plan.

 

[Rappey]

Surely you need a metric one of 30mm ? I,ve just replaced one on a long keeled yacht between tides ! Some have grub screws holding them in securely.
While looking i was under the impression the imperial step up by 1/8" each size and the metric seem to be every 5mm.
What size is your shaft ? Metric or imperial, then your cutlass bearing will be the same, ie metric or imperial..
Have you measured whatever you measured accurately?

 

[Captain Crisp]

Surely you need a metric one of 30mm ? I,ve just replaced one on a long keeled yacht between tides ! Some have grub screws holding them in securely.
While looking i was under the impression the imperial step up by 1/8" each size and the metric seem to be every 5mm.
What size is your shaft ? Metric or imperial, then your cutlass bearing will be the same, ie metric or imperial..
Have you measured whatever you measured accurately?

Hi, the shaft is 1" and the bearing holder has an internal diameter of approx 30.5 mm.

Thanks,
Crisp

 

[Poignard]

Phenolic bearings swell when wet so it could be the original bearing was 1-3/16 nominal OD.

Have you thought of contacting the bearing manufacturer for advice?

 

[Captain Crisp]

Phenolic bearings swell when wet so it could be the original bearing was 1-3/16 nominal OD.

Have you thought of contacting the bearing manufacturer for advice?

I've no idea who made the bearing holder, unfortunately... I'll look through all the paperwork bumf to see if I can find anything...

Ta

 

[Poignard]

I've no idea who made the bearing holder, unfortunately... I'll look through all the paperwork bumf to see if I can find anything...

Ta

I meant the manufacturers of cutless and phenolic bearings.

 

[Rappey]

Hi, the shaft is 1"

Then its imperial so you can forget about any metric measurements. ..
It could be that the end your measuring has had previous work making it give a misleading reading..
Take it to a chandlers and try a 1 1/8" and 1 1/1/4" .I would have though it unlikely for it to be a not on any shelf size.

 

[pvb]

Lots of suppliers can custom-make cutless bearings to your dimensions.

 

[Poignard]

It might be worth calling T.Norris Ltd. They manufacture sterngear :

Stern Gear for Yachts & Motorboats — T.Norris Marine

Cutless Bearings — Tagged "Cutless Bearing" — T.Norris Marine

They made an inboard bearing/stuffing box and a propshaft or me years ago at a reasonable price.

 

[Tranona]

Follow my earlier suggestion and have H4 make you a composite (Maritex) bearing - or have it machined to take a standard cutless - which you will have to shorten because your housing looks shorter than the standard 4".. I had the same issue with a Stuart Turner housing, which I think yours might be and I had it machined to take a standard cutless. French Marine offer this conversion if it is indeed an ST housing (which originally had a rubber lining).

 

[Captain Crisp]

Thanks - I'm going to show it to Brian at French Marine tomorrow... Will also ring H4...
Thanks all,
Crisp

 

[Graham376]

Looks like there may be enough meat on the housing to ream it out to 1 1/4" (31.75mm)

 

[Malish]

Lake Engineering are another option:

Home

 

[Topcat47]

Ddo you know someone with a small lathe? Every time I"ve replaced my gutless bearing I've had to machine it to size.

 

[Captain Crisp]

I could probably persuade the DT teacher where I work to have a go... I may try that next time... H4 in Devon are going to make me a bespoke one for now...

 

[Rappey]

I would consider having the bronze cutlass bearing holder machined out a little to take an off the shelf standard sized bearing.. Has to be easier in the long run ?