Hi Russ -- Where is your boat with the replacement bearing? If its convenient, I'd like to have a look at it... I'm assuming its on a trailer.

Mark Lowry, #68

:: :: A while ago there was some interest in a source for
:: :: rudder bearings for the Express27, and I expressed some
:: :: interest in solving the problem. I contacted several
:: :: companies that specialize in bearings for boats and they
:: :: wanted 325-400$ a set which I considered to be
:: :: outrageous. So I picked their brains about materials and
:: :: tolerances and made my own. I have them on my boat and
:: :: couldn’t be happier. There is no slop when the boat is
:: :: sailing and they eliminated an annoying hum the boat
:: :: made when it got going fast.
:: ::
:: :: If anyone is interested I can make you a set for
:: :: 125.00$. The material I use is specifically designed for
:: :: bearings unlike the PVC ones that came with the boats.
:: :: The material is dimensionally stable, won’t absorb
:: :: water, and it is self-lubricating. They should last for
:: :: many years of hard use! If you’re interested you can
:: :: contact me via e-mail at rrieber@sbcglobal.net or call
:: :: me at home at (209) 478-5411. I should be able to have
:: :: bearings to you within a week. If you’re not completely
:: :: satisfied with your new bearings just send them back and
:: :: I’ll return your money.
:: ::

:: :: -Russ Rieber
:: :: -Express27 #22
:: :: -Hurricane