Understanding Stave Bearings There are several possible arrangements for shafts and bearings. The most common arrangement involves having a bearing with a fixed portion surrounding the majority of the shaft; the fixed portion may consist of either one or two pieces. A stave bearing is different because instead of just one or two parts that surround the shaft, it features a system of axial staves to provide support. A stave bearing typically has many such axial pieces. Applications for Stave Bearings Stave bearings are generally used in nautical applications and are most commonly associated with propeller shafts. This is because this type of bearing holds up well under the conditions that go along with boat propulsion: high loads and relatively low speeds. In addition, a stave bearing can easily be adapted to be used in water, which makes it a perfect match for outboard motors. Stave bearings are also commonly used on rudder shafts. This is because motion for this component of a watercraft consists of rotation that is both reciprocating and intermittent, instead of continuous rotation in only one direction. Ball bearings tend to fail more often when used with rudders. Materials Used in Stave Bearings Because stave bearings historically contained some wooden components, the choice of wood used had to be one that could resist softening and swelling as well as actual rotting. In practice, tropical hardwoods were well suited for this application, but modern stave bearings frequently feature composite materials such as polyester resin in place of wood. Nitrile rubber is another popular material used in stave bearings. Duramax Marine for Quality Shaft Seals and Bearings Duramax Marine is a quality supplier of a variety of essential items for the boating enthusiast. Johnson Duramax specializes in shaft sealing systems and bearings as well as cooling fendering systems. Shaft Sealing Systems Duramax Marine produces a wide array of shaft sealing systems. The manufacturer has made it a priority to have their sealing systems fit a large range of different sizes of shaft. From the Johnson stuffing box, a traditional solution, to the innovations inherent in the Duramax system for sealing shafts, this supplier will have the products needed to keep most kinds of watercraft in tip-top shape – or ship-shape, as they say in the boating industry. Bearings Duramax bearings are made of water-lubricated rubber and have proven a popular choice by both casual boaters and professionals in the marine industry. The rubber is made of a specially crafted nitrile material and is molded against the shaft in a way that fits with the clearances established by the U.S. Navy. Duramax bearings are highly variable and depending on the type chosen, can be used not just for boat propulsion applications but also in rudders and industrial pumps. In addition, Duramax bearings have features that dampen vibrations and cause grit and abrasive particles to be washed away from the shaft, thus lengthening the life of the bearing. Perhaps best of all, Duramax bearings are available in both stock sizes and custom-order sizes that can be used in a variety of specialized situations. Duramax Marine is committed to both quality and innovation.