So, how do you know you need a new shaft w/o pulling the
boat?
Withing reason, a shaft can be repaired (if bent, etc.). If some scoring from a bad stern bearing (cutlass), a spacer could be added to extend the shaft a few inches.
If replacing the bearing, would look at a synthetic (
Vesconite).
Price was similar to a rubber,
bronze bearing and most likely would never need to be replaced again. Only issue was the lead time
shipping from
South Africa, but considering we ordered a custom bearing, it was over all very speedy process.