Replacement stern bearing housing for series 1 Vega

[reefmagnet]

Hi Guys,

Just about to start installation of a Beta Marine 14 into my Vega. I think I have most of the technical aspects of the install figured but, because the original bearing housing was sawn off flush where it exited the boat, I need to reconstruct a new bearing carrier. Having put some thought into this, I'm leaning towards building a bearing housing out of epoxy / cloth in situ to take a standard 1" x 1 1/4" x 4" non-metallic Johnson Duramax bearing (I'm using imperial drive shaft components). I intend to coat the bearing in release wax before bedding into the carrier with epoxy in order to make future replacement easier, as I have read that this is an acceptable method. Now, before I commit, does anyone see any reason why this would not work with the Vega, particularly in regards to water flow into the shaft log? Oh, and the other issue I need to solve is how to align the new housing. Would it be best to do it after engine installation, or before? My guess is after, as I can use the end of the stern tube for a reference, but what do you guys think?

Cheers - Jeff

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Jeff

Having installed (and supplied) quite a few Betas into vegas over the last 10 years I would suggest fitting the housing first so that the engine can then be aligned with the bearing and stern-tube. We usually use 25mm here in the UK but 1" imperial shouldnt be a problem but ensure the sterngland is also 1" imperial.

All in my opinion.

Cheers and good luckSteve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[reefmagnet]

Thanks for the input Steve. Yes, I got a Volvo stern gland. Converting to
imperial because that is the more common way of doing things around these
parts. After sleeping on it, I've decided to make the carrier separate and
then glue it into position with epoxy with maybe a bit of tabbing to the
hull if it looks like it needs it. I'm thinking about making up an aligner
out of a bit of 1" tube and O-rings if that will work otherwise I'll get a
mate of mine to knock up a couple of alignment cones on a lathe. I'd prefer
the O-rings because I'll be able to extract them easily from the shaft log
once the carrier and bearing is glued into place. I'm guessing it's
reasonably critical to get the shaft in the centre of the shaft log due to
the limited clearance afforded by the series one tube ID.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Geoff

The earlier Vegas had a smaller diameter stern tube (Petrol Vegas - About V1500 and before).

Alignment cones are easy to make and work a treat. I keep sending them out to Vega owners but sometimes they dont come back! If anyone has any then please send back.
Cone needs to have an internal diameter of the shaft you are using plus a gnats whisker (25.1mm or 1" plus a few thou). Tapering from about 50 to 30mm over about 200mm. You need two, one for each end of the stern-tube. Makes alignment a piece of cake especially if you are using a Centaflex coupling.

The Volvo Blackjack Sternglands are brilliant.

Hope this helps. If youneed some install intstructions then drop me an email at steve@... State if you have a Vega with original Petrol or Diesel engine. Check where the exhaust outlet is on the transom. If in the centre then an original petrol Vega, if on the starboard of the transom then an original diesel Vega.

Cheers

Steve Birch