non metal or metal cutless bearing

[bajo]

Advice on which to use, a non metal or metal sleeved cutless bearing in non metal shaft log in a small grp sailboat. shaft 3/4'', outside diameter of bearing 1 1/4'' , also recommeded log shaft material, every bit of advice is welcome

 

[milfordman]

I was advised to use a non metal (Tufnol) sleeved cutless bearing when I fitted a new one in my steel prop shaft tube, on a steel boat. I bought mine from ASAP supplies, and took their advise. I would suggest you contact them for advise on all aspects of prop shafts and bearings.
Best of luck.

 

[nedmin]

The only prob. with non-metal sleevings is ,I believe, is that they can swell slightly which means they can be a pig to remove.I always use metal on my steel boat but grease first with silicon grease.

 

[vyv_cox]

<<< is that they can swell slightly which means they can be a pig to remove >>>

It also means that when first installed and before the boat goes in the water, there is a lot of play between shaft and bearing. Some people have had big issues with this in the past, I recall one owner becoming very verbal with his supplier and someone even took his new plastic bearing out and replaced it with a brass one.

The play is intentional, as the bearing swells once it hits the water.

 

[Piers]

The best material might well be wood.

Read this Maritime Reader Report.

 

[nedmin]

I know the "rubber"swells thats not the prob. the prob in my experience is that the tufnol sleeve swells thus making it more difficult to remove when worn .Thats why I now buy brass.