Cutlass Bearings

Cutlass bearings are water-lubricated rubber bearings that support and guide the rotating propeller shaft, ensuring smooth, vibration-free power transmission from the engine to the propeller. Worn or incorrectly sized cutlass bearings lead to excessive vibration, accelerated seal wear, shaft damage, and increased noise. Regular inspection and timely replacement of cutlass bearings is an important part of maintaining any inboard-powered vessel's drive train.

Luxfords is the Australian distributor for Exalto marine cutlass bearings, manufactured in the Netherlands to exacting European quality standards. The Exalto range includes water-lubricated rubber cutlass bearings for use in stern tubes and strut bearings, as well as grease-lubricated options for specific installations. Exalto bearings are engineered for minimal friction, excellent wear characteristics, and long service life in saltwater environments. The range covers shaft diameters from small recreational sizes through to large commercial vessel specifications, with bearings available in metric and imperial dimensions.

Correct bearing selection requires matching the shaft diameter, bearing housing bore, and bearing length to the vessel's specifications. Luxfords maintains comprehensive sizing data for the Exalto range and can identify the correct bearing based on the existing unit's dimensions or the vessel's shaft and stern tube measurements. The Luxfords technical team can also advise on bearing material selection — rubber versus composite — and proper installation procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity.