Cutless bearing

[Rhapsode]

Has anyone replaced the white metal bearing with a cutless bearing?

[Moderator]

We have not, but I am wondering if you saw this earlier posting about a vendor-offered Maritex solution to the white metal bearing replacement problem:

Replacing the white metal bearing in the Stern Tube

[Rhapsode]

Thanks Marilyn,

I’m struggling to find the drawing of the shaft and the bearing using the plans’ archive. I’m wondering if there is any reason why a cutless bearing can’t be used?
Peter

[Arild Jaeger]

[Arild Jaeger]

[Arild Jaeger]

[Arild Jaeger]

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).

[Arild Jaeger]

[Arild Jaeger]

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)

[Rhapsode]

Thanks Arild, that’s  very helpful. I’ll pass the information onto the engineers and see what they make of it. They are still wanting to fit a standard cutless bearing but this might make them change their mind. The boat is in Grenada and I’m told no one is familiar with white metal bearing in yachts. They don’t often see 50 year old boats.

 

[Moderator]

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

[Author]

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