Strut bushings versus bearings

[Shawn]

Anyone ever use pin or ball bearings on a strut set-up?

I see lots of bushings and lead-teflon bearings etc options.

Just curious if it would be less friction, if it's even do-able.

Thanks! :)

[driftah]

usually the smaller sized struts/stingers that hold 3/16 and smaller flex use bushings and they do last quite a while if taken care of. Personally I have only seen actual bearings in 1/4 and larger due to the larger forces and torque put on them likely.

[Fluid]

Lots of folks have tried ball bearings in their struts (1/8" and 3/16"), but only a few were very successful. In theory there is less friction, but in actual practice the bearings are so prone to rusting that the required maintenance is high. Rusty bearings mean much more friction. Good floating bushings or lead bearings are fine for 95% of us.



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[StevenBryant]

I use in my hydro 1 with a 1/8th shaft ball beraring, needle bearing on a 21 mono, lead teflon in my 45 mono and brass bushings in my 45 and 21 rigger. Not sure which is best as they are all really quick.....

[Shawn]

Ok well thanks for all the great input!

I guess what's most important is to at least use any option as a safeguard against wearing down the strut. And then stick with regular maintenance across the board.

Thanks again big time!

[Jeff Wohlt]

Mine that I sell now use abec #7 as bearings. Ceramic just are not as good.

[TheShaughnessy]

I had a 3/16 strut with a wire drive and bearings. I agree with jay though. Too much maintenance. They don't last as long as bushings, or they didn't for me and bearings are much mote expensive. The bearings I used were 10 bucks a piece. It did have a nice smooth sound.though

[Shawn]

Yeah I guess the payoff with ball bearings is brief if I'm stuck replacing them more often. I'll still look into trying them some time down the road but know it may end up being more of an experiment than a permanent solution.

[Shooter]

Anyone ever try a thrust bearing at the strut.....and square shaft flex/slip connection (like outboards) to the flex cable??

[DPeterson]

Been running ball bearings in my struts and stingers for approx. 8 years. Never had to replace one. Normal stuffing tube flushing after the day of running and re-greasing of the flex.

Have heard the stories of rust and bearings going bad. Confusing to me!

I do run teflon tubes so that there is no chance of brass metal filings entering my bearings.

Went to bearings many years ago - couldn't stand sloppy drive lines with the prop stub sloshing about.

Don't rule it out. Doug

[Shawn]

Thanks Doug! I am running Teflon with the brass tube (now) and am not afraid of maintenance if it means I'll get longer life. Do it right or do it twice as my mom always says. Heh, not about boats I guess but it makes sense for most stuff. :)

Been running ball bearings in my struts and stingers for approx. 8 years. Never had to replace one. Normal stuffing tube flushing after the day of running and re-greasing of the flex.

Have heard the stories of rust and bearings going bad. Confusing to me!

I do run teflon tubes so that there is no chance of brass metal filings entering my bearings.

Went to bearings many years ago - couldn't stand sloppy drive lines with the prop stub sloshing about.

Don't rule it out. Doug