Non-metallic cutlass

[thoward]

Any reason not to use the non-metallic cutlass bearings? If it matters, it is a Blackfin with 1.25" shafts and 5.7L gassers used in saltwater stored on trailer.

 

[DCMY #92]

As far as I know all cutlass bearings are nonmetallic. They are made of rubber inside a bronze sleeve.

 

[saltshaker]

As far as I know all cutlass bearings are nonmetallic. They are made of rubber inside a bronze sleeve.

I think its the bronze portion that would be non metalic

 

[johnjen50]

I would look at what the material is made of. Is it just the outside of the cutlass bearing that is not metallic? The part that holds the rubber? Not sure if that would be an integrity issue or not. Who makes them?

 

[thoward]

Duramax makes both; metallic(naval brass) and composite(reinforced thermoset plastic). The liner is essentially the same. Cost difference is negligible. I'm leaning towards composite as there does not appear to be any significant advantage with brass.

 

[bigbill]

if there is no significant difference why would you go with plastic over bronze? bronze has been in this use for many many years.

 

[thoward]

Composite offers no risk of corrosion which should make future changes easier. Because the boat is trailered, I expect the oxidation could be a problem. If brass offers no advantage then I may as well go with composite.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

Composite is used in aluminum struts, some yards do not like composite as the end can fracture when hammered out, however, that is bad workmanship as all bearings should be pressed out. Composite should be fine in regular struts, my 2c

 

[Andy B]

I installed non metallic cutlass bearings last haulout ,so far they have been great.