What materials are cutlass bearings available in?

Marine Control stocks cutlass bearings in three materials: brass, GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), and phenolic. Each material suits different vessel types and operating conditions. Their full Exalto range covers all three, and the team can advise which material is right for your shaft and usage.

Which brand of cutlass bearings does Marine Control supply?

They exclusively stock Exalto bearings, a UK manufacturer known for extremely strict quality control and ABS certification. Exalto is widely regarded as the most respected European manufacturer of cutlass bearings, giving you confidence in long-term reliability.

What shaft sizes are available?

Stock sizes range from 25mm all the way up to 5½-inch shaft diameters. Bearings come in fully metric (e.g. 80 × 100mm), fully imperial (e.g. 2″ × 3″), or mixed metric/imperial combinations (e.g. 80mm × 4 inch). Note that a measurement looking slightly unusual — like 76.2mm — is likely an imperial size in disguise (3 inches), so it’s worth double-checking before ordering.

How long do cutlass bearings typically last?

Cutlass bearings generally last between 3 and 5 years. It is recommended to check them every time the boat comes out of the water. A worn bearing allows the propeller shaft to move, which can cause vibration or overheating — waiting too long to replace them is a false economy.

Can Marine Control modify bearings to fit my vessel?

Yes. Marine Control has full machining capabilities in-house. They can reduce outside diameters, cut bearings to specific lengths, or add threads — usually completed the same day. They can also come to your boat to help measure and confirm the correct size before any work is done.

Do they supply bearings outside of Mallorca?

Yes. Marine Control supplies cutlass bearings across the wider Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Greece, Malta, Croatia, Israel, Egypt, and beyond. Their aim is same-day delivery for local customers, with fast dispatch for those further afield. Contact them at info@marine-control.com or +34 629 144 202 for a quote.

Premium Cutlass Bearings for Marine Propeller Shafts

Premium Exalto Cutlass Bearings in Brass, GRP & Phenolic

Marine Control stocks one of Europe’s largest ranges of Exalto cutlass bearings, available in brass, GRP, and phenolic shells for leisure boats, commercial vessels, and marine engineering applications. Manufactured to the highest quality standards and ABS certified, our bearings provide exceptional reliability, precision, and long service life, giving boat owners and marine professionals complete confidence in every installation.

With stock held in Palma, Mallorca, we supply marine cutlass bearings in both metric and imperial sizes, with same-day dispatch available for most orders throughout Spain and the Mediterranean.

What Is a Cutlass Bearing?

A cutlass bearing (also commonly searched as a cutless bearing) is a water-lubricated marine bearing that supports and aligns the propeller shaft where it passes through the stern tube. As the shaft rotates, seawater flows through specially designed rubber grooves inside the bearing, providing continuous lubrication and cooling without the need for grease or oil.

Whether you search for cutlass bearings, cutless bearings, stern tube bearings, marine shaft bearings, or propeller shaft bearings, they all describe the same essential component used to reduce shaft vibration, protect the propulsion system, and ensure smooth operation.

Why Choose Marine Control Cutlass Bearings?

Unlike many suppliers who order bearings only after receiving an enquiry, Marine Control keeps an extensive inventory in stock, allowing rapid delivery when your vessel cannot afford weeks of downtime.

Benefits

Genuine Exalto Cutlass Bearings
ABS Certified
Large Stock Held in Spain
Brass, GRP & Phenolic Options
Metric & Imperial Sizes
Same-Day Dispatch on Most Orders
In-House Machining Services
Fast Delivery Across Europe & the Mediterranean

Available Materials

Brass Cutlass Bearings

Brass cutlass bearings are the premium and most durable choice for marine propulsion systems. They provide the best overall performance, excellent strength, superior corrosion resistance, and outstanding long-term durability. Designed for demanding marine environments, brass bearings deliver reliable shaft support and perform exceptionally well in both recreational and commercial vessels. Due to their superior quality and performance, brass cutlass bearings are the most expensive option.

GRP Cutlass Bearings

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) bearings are a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to brass bearings. They are electrically non-conductive, resistant to galvanic corrosion, and offer excellent compatibility with different housing types. GRP bearings provide a balance between performance and affordability, making them a suitable choice where weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and budget considerations are important.

Phenolic Cutlass Bearings

Phenolic cutlass bearings are an economical marine bearing solution manufactured from high-strength composite materials. They offer excellent dimensional stability, lightweight construction, and good compatibility with various housing types. As the most affordable option, phenolic bearings are ideal for applications where cost efficiency is a priority while still maintaining reliable performance in marine environments.

ABS Certified Exalto Cutlass Bearings

Marine Control supplies Exalto cutlass bearings manufactured to the highest standards and independently approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The ABS approval covers a comprehensive range of brass, GRP, and phenolic bearings in both metric and imperial sizes, confirming compliance with recognised marine industry standards.

Why Choose Marine Control Cutlass Bearings?

We stock bearings from 25 mm up to 5½ inch shaft diameters. Available in:

Fully Metric Sizes
Fully Imperial Sizes
Metric / Imperial Combination Sizes

Our available sizes include:

25 × 40 Cutlass Bearing
30 × 45 Cutlass Bearing
35 × 1⅞” Cutlass Bearing
40 × 2⅛” Cutlass Bearing
50 × 70 Cutlass Bearing
1″ × 1¾” Cutlass Bearing
1¼”× 1¾” Cutlass Bearing
2″ × 2¾” Cutlass Bearing

The Exalto ABS approval includes an extensive range of metric and imperial sizes in brass, GRP, and phenolic constructions.

Need a Custom Size?

One of our biggest advantages is our in-house machining capability.

We can usually machine bearings the same day by:

Reducing outside diameters
Shortening bearing lengths
Adding threads
Producing special dimensions

Using conventional lathes, CNC machinery and precision engineering equipment, our experienced workshop team can modify bearings to meet specific installation requirements while maintaining high manufacturing standards.

Fast Shipping Across Europe

Marine Control aims to dispatch over 95% of orders on the same day. Our experienced team responds quickly to enquiries and uses trusted courier services such as DHL to ensure rapid delivery throughout Spain and across the Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Malta, Cyprus and beyond.

How to Measure a Cutlass Bearing

Getting the correct size is essential.

Measure:

Shaft Diameter (Inside Diameter)
Bearing Outside Diameter
Bearing Length

Remember:

76.2 mm = 3 inch
50.8 mm = 2 inch

Many unusual metric measurements are actually imperial sizes.

When Should a Cutlass Bearing Be Replaced?

A worn cutlass bearing can lead to excessive shaft movement, increased vibration, rumbling noises, overheating, and accelerated wear on your propulsion system. Most quality bearings provide 3–5 years of service under normal operating conditions, although lifespan depends on shaft alignment, operating hours, water conditions, and maintenance. Inspect the bearing whenever the boat is hauled out, and replace it if excessive play or damage to the rubber lining is visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a cutlass bearing?

A cutlass bearing is a water-lubricated marine bearing that supports the propeller shaft inside the stern tube, reducing vibration and ensuring smooth shaft rotation.

2. Is Cutlass bearing the same as Cutless bearing?

Yes. Cutless® is a registered trademark originally associated with Duramax Marine, while cutlass bearing has become the generic industry term. Today, both spellings are commonly used and refer to the same type of marine propeller shaft bearing.

(Including both terms naturally is excellent for SEO and user search intent.)

3. Which material is best?

Brass, GRP, and phenolic each offer advantages depending on vessel type, corrosion requirements, weight considerations, and operating conditions.

4. How long do cutlass bearings last?

Typically 3–5 years under normal recreational use, although lifespan depends on operating conditions, shaft alignment, and maintenance.

5. Can Marine Control machine bearings to custom sizes?

Yes. We can modify outside diameters, shorten lengths, and add threads, with many jobs completed the same day.

6. Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We supply marine cutlass bearings throughout Spain and the Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Malta, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt.

Need Help Choosing the Correct Cutlass Bearing?

Our experienced marine engineers can help identify the correct cutlass bearing, cutless bearing, or propeller shaft bearing for your vessel. Simply provide your shaft diameter, outside diameter, and bearing length, and we’ll recommend the correct Exalto bearing from stock or machine one to your exact requirements.

Contact us today for expert advice, competitive pricing, and same-day dispatch.