Here's the scoop. Good news bad news for sure. Beneteau USA no longer supplies the oem fitting.
1. Order a replacement from Annapolis Yacht Sales. ($)
They claim that it is "the" replacement fitting for our application. Cost approximately $45. Bad news is it is not
the oem fitting supplied from the factory. The Annapolis version is not the same size, it is brass (not bronze), the walls
of the fitting are thin, (not nearly as thick as the oem fitting), and you are going to have to tap the stern tube /shaft log to
accommodate the new fitting.
2. Order the real deal oem fitting from Ancasta International Boat Sales. ($$)
The part number is 460646 (Stern Tube fitting repair kit)
It is a bronze fitting (yes, I have definite confirmation that it is bronze. It is stamped on the fitting "BRNZ".)
It is a metric size nipple that is approximately 1/8" with threads on one end with hose barbed fitting on the other
end. Much thicker walls as compared to fittings that you can buy locally. It will screw into to your existing threads on
the stern tube, if you can get the old one out without breaking it.
If you are lucky, you wont have to retap the hole. The bad news is that this "kit" including the fitting and epoxy is
going to set you back about $230. including the kit, VAT, & shipping. Outrageous!! I am embarrassed to admit it;
however, that's what I did. Took me ten minutes to remove the old one and install the new one. I am satisified because
a have a bronze fitting with thick walls that should last several years. No glass work necessary. Will take approximately 5-6 weeks to receive it.
The contact information for Ancasta is
Telephone: 02380 457370
Email:
enquiries@ancasta.com
send to the attention of Jacqueline or Tricia, they were very helpful.
3. Change the configuration: ($)
Epoxy a band of woven roving completely around the diameter of the stern tube, approximately 2-3 inches in width,
in effect, building up the thickness of the tube. Tap thru the layup to an appropriate size male hose to npt pipe nipple.
You can order a high quality 316 SS fitting from McMaster Carr. Cost of this method is more reasonable; however,
its going to take some time to layup the glass work and tap it after hardening. The fitting will cost approximately $25
including shipping. So figure approximately $75 in materials and a few hours work. If you have the yard do this, forget
it because the labor charges will be somewhat expensive.
4. Scrap the fitting installation entirely and convert to a PYI inc., PSS mechanical shaft seal. ($$$)
or similar mechanical seal.
I believe that it is sad that Beneteau USA will not supply the oem fittings at a reasonable cost to their customers.
They installed the darn things in their boats; they should supply the replacement parts. They actually put out an
advisory several years ago that the fittings should be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. They
advised buying a replacement at a hardware store. Problem is you can not find a bronze
fitting nationally for this application; bronze fittings are much larger in diameter. I did not feel comfortable using a
a thin walled brass fitting for this application. Perhaps it is a liability problem for them???
