E-38 Rudder bearings

[stbdtack]

Anybody know a source for rudder bearings for a 38??

I'm sure i can get it fabricated from UHMW or the like but thought there may be an off the shelf part somewhere.

Replacing in the spring and wanted to get a jump on the parts.

Thx in advance,
Ben

 

[Dave G]

If you make your own, you may want to avoid UHMW, sometimes it will swell when exposed to water. I have seen situations were it would swell so much a bushing would be locked on a shaft. A material like Delrin, which is more nylon, might work better in a wet application.

Good Luck,

Dave

 

[Seth]

Bearings

The simplest solution is Delrin, which I think is what they were originally. Any decent boat yard can make them, or you can have a local machine shop turn them for you (from the originals).

If you want to go higher tech, there are several really great rudder/bearing specialists around the US-depending on where you are I could make a recommendation.

Good luck!

 

[stbdtack]

bearings.....

Thanks for the suggestions. Called Edson today and as I thought I won't be able to fit in a slick roller bearing to replace the "bushing".

Actually Nylon is very water absorbant as I had problems with Nylon parts absorbing water and freezing causing breakage(In buckles I used to use in my business)

The friendly guy at Edson said Delrin actually will swell when submerged in "warm" water and he has seen problems with these in southern climates while up North they have no problems.

He thought Polyethelene or UHMW was probably the most stable and durable for submersed conditions.

Thanks again for the replies!!!

 

[rssailor]

rudder bearings

I would look into harken rudder bearings or something along those lines. Delrin would be good too. Can't see that absorbing water. Check with interstate plastics in San Leandro. They might be able to suggest a different material. Ryan