Marinette Boat Forum

a source for packing boxes for rudder and shaft.

http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/driv ... e-assembly

bill

Hi Bill, I was just looking at that yacht supplies offerings and see that they offer non-metallic cutlass bearings. I just had the boatyard press a new bearing in the starboard strut and they used a bronze bearing. My question is weather a non-metallic is important enough to go through the time and expense of changing it out. Thanks

You're not going to like this, but you're going to have to have that bronze bearing replaced. Failure to do so is going to result in a lot of corrosion, major type! Only a non-metallic bearing is to be used. Sorry....

Bill

YUP they gotta go! Will be a VERY expensive fix if they are left in and in the water for any length of time.

Safe boating,
dave

To all the replies above, I say Amen. I am reluctant to say this - but will anyway - you have to question the people at the boat yard who thought putting a metal bearing in an aluminum boat was the right thing to do. It should make you think twice about future advice you receive from them. You did the right thing, though, by raising the question here.

I will let the following pictures answer this question. This also goes for having your shaft isolated.








If you keep the metal cutlass you will be shipping what is left of your strut to Pluckebaum to get a new one made. I just shipped mine off today. I will also be installing drive savers so I don't need to worry about my shaft isolation anymore.

Thanks guys for the input, it's only money right. Those pictures of that strut are very convincing.

Yes to all the above.
The fiber cutless bearings are about $40 each. You don't need to pay to have them pressed in. Get about 12 inches or so of half inch all thread, washers and nuts to fit. Back off set screws if you have them, clean up the strut, lube the bearing and squeeze it in with the all thread and nuts. Will take $4.00 for the all thread and five minutes to do it. One of the easier jobs you will have.----Ed

I recommend always using Set Screws with Cutless Bearings. I have seen them spin up the shaft. (or down depending on engine rotation.)

I wanted to add and thank you Bill for the vendor recommendation Deep Blue Yacht Supply. They have supplied bearings, packing boxes, dripless shaft seals, seacocks, and now new shafts and plates. They are competent, competitive and the service is incredible. I have spent time on the phone, emailed photos, and in general talked through my project with them. I only hope business is fabulously successful for them.