Unconventional(?) Cutlass bearing

[rajjes]

When removing the cutlass bearing (first time), I was quite surprised to see that the extracted tube is made of thin teflon (or similar).

I tried replacing with a conventional bearing (bronze with rubber insert) but canoot find the correct outer diameter which is a shade less than 1 1/4" for a 1" shaft.

Although 1 1/4" are readily available there is no way they can be inserted in the existing stern gear.

So my options are:
1. Buy standard bearing and touch it on a lathe to fit.
2. Remachine stern tube gear to accept 1 1/4"

But before going there couly you advise if this sort of teflon(?) bearing is found on other boats and whether I can find a replacement? Is it as good as a normal cutlass bearing?

Thanks to all for your help!

 

[pete]

Hi
It`s possible to get metric outside with imperial inside cutlass bearings here.
http://www.asap-supplies.com/
Pete

 

[richardandtracy]

Sounds to me as if the outside of the cutlass is nominally 30mm. The 1.25" size is 31.75mm nominal.

If it's a bit of an odd size I'd suggest you either use a micrometer or a vernier to get the exact size of both the shaft and bearing before trying to find a replacement. Neither of these should cost you more than £15 if you haven't got one and can't borrow one.

Personally, I'd be trying to change the shaft to metric rather than the bearing to imperial. The days of inches are over - unfortunately there are industries where this hasn't sunk in yet..

Regards

Richard.

 

[TigaWave]

There are three common types of bearing material for cutlass bearings used on a wide range of craft.

Rubber - Nitrile rubber in bronze or phenolic carrier
Plastic - Thermoplastic polymers
Composite - Fibre reinforced resin

Most bearing suppliers will supply bearings in a range of sizes finished or over sized for finishing or many will supply to your required dimensions. So there should be no need to machine the bearing carrier/P bracket. The wall thickness in these is often at a minimum, so I would advise machining a bearing to fit.

All are suitable, but there advantages with some.

If it was a composite bearing (not teflon) it will be superior to a rubber bearing. Typically supplied in more testing high performance applications, but equally as suitable for small boat use.

 

[BobL]

Countrose manufacture a huge range of imperial, metric and mixed sizes of cutless bearings and I am told will make specific sizes to order. I found them most helpful and knowledgeable. I'd try them www.countrose.com

 

[nedmin]

As Pete said could be metric inner and imperial outer or vice versa, my previous boat was.

 

[rajjes]

Thanks, probably machining a bearing to fit is the best way forward.

cheers,