Propshaft advice

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

I did warn you!

I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I've been giving this some thought.

From what I've gleaned so far and the problems with lubrication I was going down the road of a water lubed bearing at the bottom and a bearing at the top that could be oiled quite simply.

I'm assuming with bearings the shaft is clear of the tube so that there is no need for lubrication there and if the shaft is stainless steel it doesn't need protection?

But I've come across the Raboesh maintenance free jobbies and like the sound of them. Anyone used one and their view?

Cheers, Chris

Edited By Chris Fellows on 28/01/2017 11:05:12

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Chris. A topic no one will agree on. My preference is for nylon bearings and stainless shaft. Water lubed at the bottom, a drop of oil every sailing on top.

​Unless you are racing, the bearings of a propshaft are likely to outlive you by a large margin.

​Raboesh, no idea, but as above.

​Ashley

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

Thanks Ashley.

No racing! And I doubt there is going to be a fantastic amount of use so your solution sounds good.

Be interesting to see if anyone has used the Raboesh though.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

If you don't mind paying the extra then the Raboesch maintenance free sets are very nice. It's an important part of the boat so maybe worth it. Note that they come in waterproof and non waterproof versions. Most of us accept that it is almost inevitable that a few drops of water are likely to enter conventional shaft setups, frequently dealt with by fitting a shallow 'dam' across the bottom of the boat under the inboard end of the shaft to catch any drips.

Ashley's method works fine at the budget end! The risk of water ingress can be greatly lessened by fitting a metal or nylon washer between the prop and the prop tube as this serves to seal the tube when the boat is moving forwards.

You pays your money etc. etc.

Colin

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

I find that the best thing I can do for my prop-shafts is to cultivate a taste for pre-sliced Parma Ham.

This comes separated by thin sheets of bi-axially oriented polyethlene terephthalate, or, as your neighbourhood chemist will call it, Mylar. This is an impressive low-friction plastic. When used, it plates a thin layer of itself onto the bearing faces, and they become watertight and almost frictionless when under pressure. Make sure that the bearing faces are flat and parallel…

With my 2mm shafts I can use a hole punch to create blank washers – 4mm will need a bigger disk. but that's not a problem, And the ham tastes good, too…

Edited By Dodgy Geezer on 28/01/2017 17:48:28

[Terry PlumridgeParticipant @terryplumridge66794]

Hi Chris

I have used a Raboesch propshaft on a Tug with a horizontal shaft, by that I mean completely below the water line. No leaks at all. A bit more expensive, but I would say worth it.

Cheers, Terry.

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, the Raboesch are more expensive, but in the scheme of things not too bad, so I think I'll give them a try.

Dodgy – interesting idea but I think I'll just stick to eating the ham!

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

A thrust washer is always a good idea between the props locknut and the outer bearing face. Low friction and self lubricating in water AND free are bonuses.

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

Thanks Malcolm, I'll bear that in mind.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Not budget, just the best..
Ashley

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