Source for Bronze Stern or Rudder Tube/Bearing

[Sea7King]

I have a 1979 Hunter 30 sailing auxillary. I would like to find a bronze stern tube, but actually Hunter used a bronze, square flanged 2.5 inch long rudder tube from its power boat line for a stern tube.

It's probably only available from a salvage/used boat parts seller, but I have no idea how to locate such a source.

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks,
SK

[sy_gilana]

Try Port Townsend Foundry, they might make one for you.

[DougR]

Hunter probably sourced their parts from Buck Algonquin. Check the "rudder ports" on Buck's web site.

DougR

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by DougR

Hunter probably sourced their parts from Buck Algonquin. Check the "rudder ports" on Buck's web site.

DougR

Agree. Absolutely Hunter used off the shelf items for stern tubes, packing glands and such. Just like they used stock winches and didn't make them in house.

Buck Algonquin has a very extensive range of these in various sizes and designs in stock for sale.

[HopCar]

Here is a link to the Buck Algonquin website Buck Algonquin, The Industry Leader in Quality Marine Hardware for over 50 years – For the Best Below the Waterline
If you find what you need there, I'd love to quote you on it.

[Sea7King]

You gotta believe...
Four of us have been looking for 4 months and you guys found it in 5 minutes.
Why, oh why, didn't I ask sooner?
I had actually looked at Buck Algonquin but didn't use the correct terminology.

Once again, you guys are the BEST.

Thanks,
SK

PS: Quote away. Part No 83112. I'll confirm the specs tomorrow with BA.

[coastalexplorer]

Good to know that Sea7King found the part they were looking for 'off the shelf' as that is usually the most economical way to go especially with cast parts in Iron, stainless steel or bronze because it amortizes the patternmaking cost over the production run.

However when restoring a custom built Classic from the past making a foundry pattern for a one off is the only way to go. There are still a few of us left doing this type on work even in retirement so if you need help and have a drawing let me know.

[Captain Denis]

Glad you found the part. Therefore, my comment is too late. I was going to suggest to check with West Marine, under Cutless Bearings, Catalog Page 771. From your description, your bearing seems quite special.

[Sea7King]

Actually Occam's Razor comes to mind. It's off the shelf because Hunter built a lot of boats in the 70's and 80's under many names. So they multi-purposed many off the shelf items.
The shape of the flange is the key. Most sailboat aux stern tubes were and are a different shape that wont match my set up.
This one does, I think. The tube itself is 3 in long in reality, but looks short in the supplied pic.

[DougR]

Originally Posted by Sea7King

You gotta believe...
Four of us have been looking for 4 months and you guys found it in 5 minutes.
Why, oh why, didn't I ask sooner?
I had actually looked at Buck Algonquin but didn't use the correct terminology.

Once again, you guys are the BEST.

Thanks,
SK

PS: Quote away. Part No 83112. I'll confirm the specs tomorrow with BA.

Like the Farmers Insurance ad on TV says " We know alot because we've seen a lot" .........
30+ years in the marine engine business working with boat builders all over the country will do that to ya. Glad to help.
DougR