Polymer Curbs Rudder Bearing Woes

Boat builders seeking to put an end to customers calling about sticky-feeling helms are turning to Vesconite Hilube, the low-friction, high-performance polymer, according to manufacturer Vesconite. Vesconite Hilube is internally lubricated and, even in dirty or silty conditions, provides more than 10 times the wear life of bronze. Because it is nonmetallic, there is no galvanic corrosion. It does not swell in water or due to dramatic temperature changes. These features add up to a silky smooth rudder feel with no stick-slip, Vesconite said. It also means fewer warranty claims or negative feedback. Available for immediate shipment in the US as custom precision-machined components or raw stock, the polymer is easily machined with tolerances +/-0.001". It can be milled into an almost unlimited range of shapes and sizes. Because it has a high dimensional stability and load strength, it can be used in a wide range of applications, including threaded parts. Vesconite Hilube is one of a range of high-performance thermoplastics available from Vesconite. The company's products have been used on everything from ships and mega yachts, to sportfish boats and America's Cup foiling catamarans.