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Cutlass bearing replacement: inspection and fitting

Plan a replacement around the condition of the bearing, shaft and housing. Measure first so the yard can identify the work and parts required.

When to inspect a cutlass bearing

Increasing shaft movement, damaged rubber or vibration warrants inspection. A water-lubricated bearing has running clearance when new, so movement alone does not prove it is worn out. Ask the yard to measure the clearance, inspect the shaft and compare the results with the manufacturer's guidance.

Record inspection measurements so changes can be compared at later haul-outs. Bearing life depends on use, alignment, water supply and operating conditions. A fixed age or a quick wiggle test cannot establish the remaining life of every bearing.

Plan access with the yard

Whether the shaft or propeller must be removed depends on the vessel and bearing design. Ask the yard how it will access and remove your bearing before booking the job. Ordinary sleeve-bearing work is commonly arranged during a haul-out, but there is no single removal method for every installation.

A rudder skeg bearing is part of the steering arrangement and needs the boatbuilder's replacement procedure.

Identify the replacement

Record nominal shaft diameter, housing bore and specified length in their original units. Check the material and retention arrangement, and investigate a worn shaft or distorted housing before ordering.

The nominal shaft size identifies the shaft the bearing is made to support. The finished bearing bore is larger to provide running clearance. Manufacturing tolerances describe the permitted range of bearing dimensions; they are not a range of compatible shaft sizes.

For a light interference fit, the bearing's outside diameter is slightly larger than the housing bore before fitting. Use the manufacturer's specified housing fit and clearance. A loose or oval housing needs assessment before you choose a replacement.

Our measuring guide explains these checks.

Choose a compatible material

Exalto's standard brass, phenolic and GRP sleeve bearings all have a nitrile rubber lining. The names describe their outer shells. Choose a shell that suits the housing and the vessel's bearing specification.

  • Phenolic: A phenolic outer shell with a grooved nitrile rubber lining. The non-metallic shell avoids galvanic corrosion between the bearing shell and a metal housing. Exalto allows for phenolic water absorption in its manufacturing tolerances.
  • Brass: A brass outer shell with a grooved nitrile rubber lining. Exalto advises against fitting brass directly into steel or aluminium housings. A worn or oversized housing needs assessment; changing shell material does not correct its bore dimensions.
  • GRP: A glass-reinforced composite outer shell with a grooved nitrile rubber lining. Exalto identifies GRP as suitable for steel and aluminium stern tubes as well as compatible non-metallic housings. Follow the specified fit and retention method.
  • Rubber: An all-rubber bearing without a rigid outer shell. This design uses its own mounting arrangement. Choose it when the vessel specification calls for an all-rubber bearing, and confirm the dimensions and retention method before fitting.

See Exalto's shell and lining specifications for the manufacturer's guidance.

Fitting a standard Exalto sleeve bearing

Exalto specifies a light press fit with suitable retention. Keep set screws within the shell; they must not distort the lining against the shaft. Support the shaft during installation and protect the rubber from damage.

The completed installation needs the specified running clearance and water flow. Follow the Exalto installation instructions for lubrication, fitting and handling. All-rubber and other bearing designs require their own installation arrangements.

What does replacement cost?

The product page shows the current bearing price. Ask the yard to quote access, removal, inspection, installation and any shaft or housing repair separately. Haul-out and labour costs depend on the boat and the work required.

Check availability before reserving yard time. Pre-order estimates refer to dispatch, with delivery time after that. For a mixed order, contact us if you need an in-stock item earlier.

Browse the size chart Ask for sizing help

Check the product page for its current price and availability before arranging the work. Prices include GST and shipping within Australia is free.