Stern tube for ships West Mekan

The tube is an important part of a boat's propeller system. It stops water from entering the hull, and ensures the least possible friction to the propeller shaft when it is rotating. The most common type of tube in Norway is the flexible type with a brass or bronze stem flange, a water lubricated rubber bearing, a brass shaft tube, an armoured rubber hose and a grease lubricated stuffing box with ring joints. This tube works very well, while at the same time being easy to use and maintain, plus allowing the motor to be placed on rubber dampers.

The tube can be custom modified to suit the customer's needs, with regards to choice of materials, available space and the number of parts used.

Modifications are used when a tube is installed in an aluminum hull. The shaft tube and stem flange is then made from aluminium, and a rubber bearing with synthetic shell or thordon bearing is used. The stem flange and rubber bearing can sometimes be left out when installing the propeller system on boat that are equipped with a bracket, since it is enough with the bracket and the bearing there. In those instances where space for the stem flange and bracket is limited, a short stem fitting with thordon bearing is installed. The tubes are also delivered with different sealings and lubricators.

West Mekan makes simple, high-quality tube arrangements that are field-tested and safe to use. Our 30 years of experience in designing, producing and supplying enables us to guide you to a safe decision.

More specifications...