I've read many of the excellent posts on how to replace a cutlass bearing and I'm ready to do battle but I must have missed one important thing. How do I know which one to buy? Are they like car parts where I walk up to the counter and say "I want a cutlass bearing for a 1979 Islander 28, Hull #324" and the parts guy walks back and grabs one? Or do I need to find my old vernier calipers and go to work? And who makes such a thing as a cutlass bearing? Are there varying qualities between manufacturers? If so, why? As a new boater but an old mechanic I prefer to get closer to the parts source if I really want accurate information and most parts jobbers like to talk about their work.
Cutlass Bearing Replacement
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Most boats in the 25 to 40 foot range will have a one inch shaft. The other dimension can be found by measuring the length of the strut, the part the shaft runs through. Most struts are four inches. It would help if there was a manufacturers name on the strut. Many boats had struts made by Dahmer, now out of business. But if you can find your strut there then you will know the bearing size: http://www.dahmermarine.com/Struts.htm . So 4" x 1" id(1 3/8" od) is normal: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|311|314571&id=1032593 .
I'd break out the calipers as there are likely few places that will know which cutlass bearing goes with your boat - it ain't just like with cars where there is cross reference data linking the parts to the make/model/year.
Once you get the OD of the shaft and the OD of the bearing you will need to find the length. If the bearing is inside a strut the length is easy but if it is at the end of a stern tube going thru the hull the length may not be so easy to figure out.
There are a bunch of places on the web that sell cutlass bearings:
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail.htm?group=982
http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/catalog/cutlessbearings.aspx
http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/bearings/2,255.html
and those are just a few places.
I can't comment on which mfr or type is best as I have not done this job yet myself.
Once you get the OD of the shaft and the OD of the bearing you will need to find the length. If the bearing is inside a strut the length is easy but if it is at the end of a stern tube going thru the hull the length may not be so easy to figure out.
There are a bunch of places on the web that sell cutlass bearings:
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail.htm?group=982
http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/catalog/cutlessbearings.aspx
http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/bearings/2,255.html
and those are just a few places.
I can't comment on which mfr or type is best as I have not done this job yet myself.
I bought the TOOL to replace it without taking the shaft out or the strut off or the rudder off. It is for the 1 inch shaft and any length cutlass. It took me less than an hour to replace it. I would be willing to sell it if you are interested.
Keith
P.S. Let me know it is a Strut Pro
Keith
P.S. Let me know it is a Strut Pro
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