Strut bearing choice

[RobH]

First-time post by long-time "lurker" and recent member: I've purchased a new bearing (for my C-36 mk1 #54) online from Torreson Marine. I expected a metal outer sleeve, but this one (Morse #ANABLEPS) is some kind of man-made composite. As I've never replaced one of these before, I was wondering if this bearing was appropriate for the C-36. I searched the forum history and found no reference to bearing styles (did I miss it?), and I thought I'd put it out there and see what you guys could tell me - should I go with a different style bearing, or is this one OK?

[Pat T]

Rob,
First of all welcome to the association and congrats on the new boat.

I think what you are referring to is better known as the cutless bearing. If you search that word you will probably find information. Make sure to search the old site too. Also check out Tom Senator's tool box on the home page. There you will find the tool you need to change the bearing. I did this job 2 years ago and the tool was a life & money saver!

My bearing's outer case was brass but maybe there are better materials to use nowadays.
Good luck.

[RobH]

Thanks for the welcome, Pat. I've observed the good info on this site for years, and finally signed up. This is my 8th season with Galahad, but my first bearing replacement. I guess I didn't own my previous boats long enough, or got lucky with the timing. Thanks also for the tip on searching the old site - there was some bearing stuff on there, but nothing regarding the style with a composite shell. The lack of responses may indicate I'm either on new ground, or have the wrong bearing.
I signed up for "The Tool" as soon as I saw it was available for use - what a great service for the members! I'm actually looking forward to a task that most people seem to avoid doing themselves. It will be interesting.

Thanks again!

[stu jackson c34]

Have you called Torrenson and discussed this with them? Sounds brand new to me.

[RobH]

The final word is that although this bearing would work fine, it would not be the best choice. Non-metallic sleeves are made for use mostly on aluminum hulls. In our application, it might be trickier to install and possibly would not wear as long. I returned it in favor of the bronze version - the "BLACKFISH", also by Morse.
Thanks to those who responded, and everyone who took the time to read the post and give this some thought. The real problem here was my rush to get the bearing on it's way to me, as well as not asking the right questions. Lesson learned, I guess. We'll see.
Rob

[Jamie]

It appears that there are no set screws on the C-36 strut??

[mutualfun]

Well that was the case on ours, I added 2 stainless steel set screws to ours, Used 10-32 x 1/4 ones