Seawater-Lubricated Stern Tube Bushings Are Better Choice

Legislation and corporate social responsibility are moving the commercial marine industry away from oil-lubricated stern tube bushings.  Vesconite Hilube is the maintenance-free advanced polymer alternative that outperforms traditional materials—and doesn't contaminate waterways.

Internally lubricated Vesconite Hilube doesn't swell in water, so precise tolerances can be maintained. In fact, the material is easily machined to +0.012"/-0.000".

The innovative polymer is non-toxic, so it's safe for operators to mill. And without the need for oil as a bushing lubricant, it's an environmentally sound choice.

Due to Vesconite Hilube's exceptional wear properties, it has a long, predictable working life—more than 10 times that of bronze. It doesn't abrade expensive shafts like metal, rubber or laminated materials do, even when in muddy or silty water. Because it's dimensionally stable and has high compression strength, the polymer saves stress on tube seals. Maintenance is reduced, as is the time spent in dry dock.

In a field trial, Vesconite was installed in the starboard stern tube of a pilot vessel operating in a shallow, sandy harbor. The port side was traditional rubber. After five years of service, between 12 and 16 hours a day, the wear on the Vesconite bushing was only 0.059".

Additionally, the workboat's starboard shaft was highly polished and smooth, and showed only 0.009" of wear. The rubber bushings on the port side had worn unevenly.

Vesconite Hilube bears type approval certifications from ABS, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas and Lloyd's Register EMEA, among others. It's a versatile product that is commonly used in a broad range of commercial marine applications.

The material is available for immediate shipment from Vesconite's Texas warehouse. Hollow bar, solid rod and plate shapes are obtainable in a wide array of dimensions and thicknesses.