Boat bearing URB-LP

rudderself-aligning

The Tides Marine Upper Rudder Bearing-Low Profile (URB-LP) is designed to be installed on vessels where the steering system components need to be located as close to the rudder shelf as possible. Mounted “through” the rudder shelf, this design maintains a clean, low-profile appearance. Like the URB-STD, the URB-LP is an ABS- and Lloyds-approved, self-aligning design which accommodates up to 10 degrees of off-axis alignment between the mounting surface (rudder shelf) and the rudder stock. As a result, it requires no shimming during installation and won’t load up the rudder shaft during vessel operation. The URB-LP is lighter than conventional bronze units. It consists of a UHMW ball-type bearing captured within a UHMW housing. The ball-type bearing is designed with a “flat surface” at the top to accept a rudder collar, allowing the unit to effectively carry rudder “download” during vessel operation. The Tides design eliminates metal-to-metal contact and the associated problems of abrasion, electrolysis and corrosion. The URB-LP is self-lubricating and maintenance free. Steering is smoother and quieter. Minor mounting adjustments to the rudder system’s steering components may be necessary if the height of the unit is different than the metal pillow-block style bearing it is replacing.