Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 12:45pm

Hi Tony, I have my narrowboat out of the water and am in the process of trying to change the bush / bearing that the prop shaft runs in when leaving the hull. There's a good 2-3mm of play when waggling the prop shaft and it lets in too much water. It's been a bit of a pig so far, coupler being too big for space its in, angle grinding bolts off, making one off tools and pullers, etc. However, I'm confident I can fit it all back together if I can find a replacement bush/ bearing. It seems to be an odd size. The prop shaft is 1.5" diameter and the stern gland measures 48mm ID. This only gives roughly 5mm wall thickness for the bush / bearing. The one that came out is a simple brass sleeve. The boat was built in 1985, and I suspect this has never been changed, given what a pain its been. Do you think I can fit a more modern style cutlass bearing, or will I have to replace with something similar given the space limitations? I've looked on line and can't find anything to suit. Any advice would be great. Cheers, Ben Lavender

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 5:12pm

It is only in recent years that some builders have started fitting rubber Cutless bearings to narrowboats. I would never use one for canal work because of the wear I fear from running it lubricated by canal mud soup. I am sure a local jobbing engineers could turn you a new bush up from bronze/brass or even a plastic. I also think any yard that does regular work on stern gear will have contacts for the supply of such bushes etc. Tony Brooks

Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 3:02pm

Try contacting jim wilson, who can manufacture most things narrowboat!! email, jameswilson283@btinternet.com Have dealt with him on a few occasions, a great help. Ken.