I need help

groupers · Post by **groupers** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 4:31 am

I am the owner of a 1979 Bertram 33 SF. I recently removed the two Cat 3208T's for remanufacturing purposes. The mechanic noticed, the top rudder bearings housing was badly corroded - the greese nipples were nonfunctional and as such it was decided to remove both. In the process the port bearing was destroyed and the other was sent to a dealer to try and locate replacements. Unfortunately the bearing was misplaced so there is nothing to compare for replacement. Can someone help me locate the required items. I can supply the size of the rudder shaft and a picture of where the housing was bolted on the transom. George Jackson

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 4:45 am

Try Dany at Hightide Marine in Miami: http://www.hightidemarine.cc/index.htm He can be expensive, but he usually has what you're looking for.

groupers · Post by **groupers** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:23 am

Doug Thanks. I am in the process of checking out that site. George J

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:00 am

George... High Tide should have the bearings, but their prices are usually very high. As I recall they announced a couple of years ago that they also had a new bearing for this use that was made of non metallic material that supposedly would not corrode. Before I went to High Tide though I would get the physical measurements of your bearings (shaft diameter and base size, etc) and check with industrial supply houses (There must be at least one in Bermuda). Four years ago I replaced my rudder bearings with standard off the shelf pillow block bearings from a local supply house at a very reasonable cost. If I had known bearings made of synthetic materials were available I might have bought them, but I learned about them too late. If you need someone here in the US to try to locate a pair let me know and I will see what I can do. I suspect your industrial supply options in Bermuda might be limited. Good luck

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:37 am

Yes, we've talked about this and if you go through all the searches, you should be able to mine the supplier from our previous conversations. Think it was about 2 years ago. It might have been Aussie Sid but I'm not sure. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 7:32 am

If you want a really superior product that you will only have to replace once, go to www.tidesmarine.com. They will have the 1 1/4 rudder bearings in stock and can ship to you. They're made of delrin & are very high quality. I just rebuilt my rudder assemblies this past summer & it came out great using these bearings & a very hardwood (Ipe) that we epoxy bedded in place. I'll post some pics over the weekend if I get a chance. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 4:54 pm

I went to Northern tool. Bought original type cast iron for I think $7.00 dollars each. The original one was destroyed when I was replacing the rudder. It lasted 25 years so why spend close to 100 bucks when 7 bucks is all you need to spend? but then again it's your money

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:49 am

I changed mine with cast iron, around 7 bucks. Treated with corrosion x before installing and greased them up nicely. They look great.

groupers · Post by **groupers** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 6:49 am

Thanks for the various options provided. I will check them all and get the best product that will last a "life time" as our legendry Bertrams. Incidentally my boat is in St. Vincent.. George Jackson 33 Bertram 3208 Cats

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 7:17 am

Hopefully if this computer doesn't give me the same problems as my previous one, a picture will soon be here. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/rudder post.jpg[/img] Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:32 am

Looks sweet Joe, brand new in fact ! Why 2 pumps ? Is the one behind the Cyclone for something else ? Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:11 am

Hi Rick. The Cyclone is my live well pump & the other is a salt water wash down pump. They're both "T'd" of the same intake. If the live well pump ever takes a dump when I'm live baiting & the well is full of expensive baits, I can switch over to the other pump easily & save the baits without doing the 5 gallon bucket routine. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:22 pm

Nice setup. You know I'd hate to steal this thread from George, but live wells would be a really good subject and I'd love to change mine. Mine is currently under the Aft-Starboard hatch and it's always spilling salt water on my rudder and everything else in there. I'll do a search and see if it's been discussed before. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 2:23 pm

I put a 40 gal. poly tank in the port stern area & strap it to the transom cleat. I have it plumbed so that it just plugs in to the coaming for in & out. Takes up a little room, but it's liveable. Much rather have a transom well & a tuna door, but I'm dreamin. Next boat! Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL