Non Metallic Cutlass Bearings

[Anonymous 121765]

Guys,

Thinking about trying the Johnson Cutlass bearings on my haulout in a few weeks.

I called Duramax Marine tech. group with questions.

Originally for stainless & aluminum struts, I am told they can be used on bronze struts.


For installation, a flat end drill thru the setscrew holes to score the non-metallic sleeve to a depth the size of a golfball dimple or about 20,000th." deep.


Has anyone gone this rout? I was told these have been around since the '80's.
They should be easier to remove I'm told.

Here is Duramax Marine's web site and a PDF of their sizing chart. The price for my 1" dia. x 4" long is around $85.00.


http://www.duramaxmarine.com/bearingLine2.htm

CR

 

[kloudie1]

I would think that if the fit of the bearing into the strut is good, there'd be no problem. Not much stress at all on the cutless shell.

 

[Ted]

Non Metallic Cutlass Bearing

When I purchased my present boat 14 years ago, I installed a new Johnson cutlass bearing with the non metallic shell. The original metalic bearing was pretty difficult to remove. Last season I had to remove my prop shaft and while it was out, I decided to change the cutlass bearing. It really didn't need to be changed but while things were apart it didn't make sense not to. I had no problem pressing out the 13 year old non metalic bearing from the bronze strut. Simplest project of the season. No cutting, no problems. I highly recommend the Johnson non metallic cutlass bearing. You'll make life easy for the next person who changes it. It may be you!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Ted,

Thanks for the info pal.

When I spoke to the Johnson folks, I was advised that during a non metallic change out, remove the setscrews, use a hex nut bolt same threads, and screw them in to collapse the non-metallic shell somewhat to help break the seal for removal.

The yard I'm using has NO press-out tool. He did say "we just use a saws all".
I already have two scores in my strut from a previous saw out.

I did the last change out myself, looks like it again.

Kloudie1,

I here ya man. I think that instead of using the drill bit to score the non-metallic shell, I will pick up some "dog point, cone point or cup point" setscrews. they should cut into the shell a little without having to use use a drill.

Thanks guys for your feedback.

CR