VESCONITE HILUBE CUTLASS BEARINGS

[BriaF]

Have done some research & found vesconite- vesconite HILUBE
This appears to be an ideal compound to make cutlass bearings.

I intend to have them made when I next replace my bearings.

Does anyone have any experience using vesconite as a cutlass bearing
Materiel.
I would expect them to last multiple x longer as vesconite has
Significantly better wear rates.

[Reefmagnet]

Albin Vegas used vesconite for the stern bearing. They were long lasting and didn't require as much water lubrication as a conventional bearing.

[bobconnie]

Thats a Trade name of a bearing substance called Oil lite Bronze, you can get it at most machine shops, and they could whip ya out one easy !! been useing this stuff for my bearings for A LONG Time !! works great and lasts for ever (well a long time) just my 2 cents

[BriaF]

Vesconite is a plastic of some description? (synthetic)
Google vesconite for more info

[atoll]

Originally Posted by BriaF

Have done some research & found vesconite- vesconite HILUBE
This appears to be an ideal compound to make cutlass bearings.

I intend to have them made when I next replace my bearings.

Does anyone have any experience using vesconite as a cutlass bearing
Materiel.
I would expect them to last multiple x longer as vesconite has
Significantly better wear rates.

used vesconite on my first boat for stern tube and rudder bearings.
still in use after a circumnav and 12 years .
used 0.2mm tolerance clearance,with no slots cut into the material as you would have on a conventional rubber cutlass bearing.

[holmek]

Vesconite is not Oil-lite bronze, it is a plastic as per BriaF. Check the technical specs for water absorbtion, I don't think it is an issue as is Nylon, but just be sure to get your clearances correct. Otherwise it is an excellent bearing material for cool running. Be sure to key it into the housing with a grub screw or similar to prevent turning in the housing and/or working itself out of the sterntube.