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Cutlass vs cutless: choosing a replacement bearing

Both spellings appear in discussions of water-lubricated marine shaft bearings. A name alone does not identify the correct replacement for your boat.

What does Cutless mean?

Cutless is the trademark Duramax Marine uses for its Johnson Cutless bearing range. Cutlass is a common generic spelling, and you may also see misspellings such as cutlas or cuttless. Check the manufacturer's name and part code when reading an invoice or drawing.

Cutlass Bearings Australia sells genuine Exalto bearings manufactured in the UK. The Duramax product range is a separate brand.

Can I replace a Johnson Cutless bearing with Exalto?

Compare the complete specifications before changing brands. Check nominal shaft diameter, housing bore, length, shell material, lining, running clearance and retention. A matching nominal size helps identify candidates but does not guarantee interchangeability.

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.

Record any readable code and the original dimensions. Use our measuring guide and contact us with the application details.

Shaft or rudder application?

Confirm whether the bearing supports the propeller shaft or the steering assembly. Some bearing designs can be specified for both, but a rudder skeg bearing must be selected for its actual application.

Compare Exalto shell materials

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.

Find a bearing in the catalogue

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.