Paul Baker wrote:
Hello all.
I have a 34' aluminum sailboat hull that was built some time in the
late 1970's but never finished until now. The stern tube is sch.80
aluminum pipe and was welded by the builder, my question is two fold,
first does any one know of a cutlass bearing to fit pipe approx 1.9".
And second the stern tube seems too be a bit oval, maybe (3/64"-1/32")
probably from welding. Any suggestions?
Thanks Paul

What is your shaft size? - if ~1" then you could fit a cutless bearing
with a 1-3/4" OD. Pack the ovalized gaps between with epoxy thickened
with microfibers. Coat the cutless bearing with a few layers of mylar
packing tape else you will never get it out!

Otherwise, remove the distorted one and re-weld in a round one.

As others have pointed out you should use a bearing with a fiberglass
shell, not bronze. Not as common but they do exist.

Evan Gatehouse