Stearn Dynafurl

[Matador]

Hello, the halyard swivel bearing on our Stearn roller reefing gear has siezed solid. Has anyone any experience of replacing these bearings? The one on our boat was made in the USSR! I have found a US firm that does spares but they seem mega expensive, it would be good to find parts in the UK. I realise this is a bit of a long shot as the system must be nearly 30 years old but seems very well made. Our boat is a Sadler 26. Cheers, Chris W.

 

[Gypsyjoss]

The bearings do have the make and model stamped on them. so you should be able to get a replacement from a UK bearing company. On my Sadler 32 the swivel bearing is an NTN 6209 LU which seems to be available (using a quick Google search)

Otherwise I think you have to get the spares from Rig-Rite in the USA. I never found a UK supplier when I researched this last year.
Pete

 

[Matador]

Stearn bearing

Thanks Pete, I was beginning to think this was one of those 'tumbleweed' posts where you never get a reply! Why on earth would a reefing system use Russian bearings? I have typed in the number at an on-line bearing company to no avail. I think I am going to have to take it out and take it to a local firm, otherwise it's Rig Rite as you say. All this is PITA as we have just had the mast stepped, i wonder if the genoa halyard would act as a temporary fore-stay whilst I work on the furling system. Cheers, Chris W S26 Chablis.