Precise Sterntube and Strut Bearing Alignment without Boring

Abstract

Accurate sterntube and strut bearing alignment is essential for reliable propulsion. Installation by traditional boring is slow, not always accurate and difficult to correct if misaligned. An alternative method using epoxy resin that eliminates in-situ boring has been in use for over 12 years and used on hundreds of bearings. Most were under 250 mm (10 in) bore, the largest 560 mm (22 in), but the method has no practical limits and is now being incorporated into several new large ship designs.