Cutless bearing

The white metal was moulded into the stern tube.  There needs to be a bit of clearance between the white metal and the tail shaft.  Also pathways or grooves for the grease to pass through the bearings must be made (see photos).

White metal bearings are made from white metal alloys, which can include tin, lead, zinc, and bismuth. Of course, each white metal bearing will contain a different combination of alloys, depending on the desired strength and other requirements. White metal bearings are beneficial in that they offer an extended service life under normal operating conditions. When it comes to excess momentary overloads, these bearings also perform well. When there is an alignment or lubrication problem, the white metal bearing can compensate with greater ease than other types of bearings.

The alloys used in white metal bearings are also called Babbitt metals. These metals have a low melting point and offer very good resistance to friction. The alloys included in the bearing makeup will determine what applications the bearing is best suited to.

Many people incorrectly assume that, because white metals are considered a soft material, that they are unsuitable for the manufacture of bearings. However, the soft material incorporates hard crystals which, over time, create groove paths in the material which, in turn, provide the ideal conditions for effective lubrication of the bearing.

(Source: http://www.technoslide.com/bearing-white-metal.html)

I can second Arild comments, and advise that you keep looking for someone who knows about white metal.

We were able to find someone in Port Townsend Washington, USA to make us a new white metal bearing, and it was the right way to go. You can find details on our personal blog.

You can find a  PDF copy of the C&N original dimensioned drawing and install information already posted (with permission from Jeremy Lines) on this website here.

Marilyn, moderator