Propeller shaft and stern gear components form the connection between the engine or gearbox and the propeller in an inboard propulsion system. The propeller shaft transmits rotational power to the propeller, while stern gear components such as shaft seals, bearings, stern tubes, couplings, and related fittings support, align, and seal the rotating shaft as it passes through the hull. Correct selection and installation of these components are essential for smooth power transmission, reliable shaft alignment, reduced vibration, and effective protection against water ingress.
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maucour Temet 26 propeller shaft is manufactured from high-strength duplex stainless steel, offering superior mechanical resistance and corrosion performance in seawater. Designed for shaft diameters from 22 mm to 40 mm and lengths from 1000 mm to 3000 mm, it allows the use of smaller diameters compared to equivalent standard shafts, reducing stern tube and hydrolube bearing sizing. Supplied with ISO cone, fitted key, metric thread, 0.08 mm straightness, and machining on one end.
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$ 325.60
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus SA Propeller Shaft 1.4462 Stainless Steel is designed for durability and strength in marine environments. Fully machined, it comes with a key, lock washer, and a fairing nut with an integrated anode. Available in multiple diameters and lengths, this propeller shaft is manufactured according to ISO 4566 standards, ensuring reliable performance. It's a perfect solution for boat owners seeking a high-quality, corrosion-resistant shaft for smooth propulsion.
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$ 419.60
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Exalto Propeller Shaft, made from durable 1.4462 duplex stainless steel, is fully machined and comes complete with a key, lock washer, and fairing nut (with integrated anode). Available in various diameters and lengths, this high-performance shaft is designed to meet ISO 4566 standards with a 1:10 taper. Custom sizes, tapers, and dual-end configurations can be ordered to suit your specific requirements.
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$ 683.60
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BG Fiberglass Stern Tube with Cutless Bearings is an essential component for smooth and reliable propulsion in yachts and boats. Made from high-strength fiberglass (G.R.P.), it ensures durability, corrosion resistance, and frictionless shaft operation. Available in various sizes to fit 25, 30, and 35 mm shaft diameters, it is easy to install with molded plastic duct pipes directly integrated into the boat's hull.
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$ 127.29
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BS Steel Stern Tube is a high-quality steel pipe designed for boat propulsion systems, featuring support bearings and slots that facilitate easy bearing replacement. Available in various diameters and lengths, these stern tubes are engineered to provide durability and efficiency in marine environments. They are ideal for use in yachts and boats, offering a robust solution for shaft mounting. The Vetus BS series is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide range of vessels.
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$ 287.59
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BL Bronze Stern Tube is a high-quality bronze pipe designed for boat propulsion systems, featuring support bearings and slots for easy bearing replacement. Available in various diameters and lengths, this stern tube ensures a secure and reliable shaft mounting solution. The bronze construction offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in marine environments. Whether for new installations or replacements, the Vetus BL Stern Tube is a durable and versatile choice for boat owners and builders.
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$ 547.56
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus FLK Mounting Flange is designed for use with the Vetus Bronze Stern Tubes. It includes a rubber-metal bearing and is installed at the rear part of the stern tube to provide secure and reliable mounting for the shaft. Available in a variety of diameters (from 25mm to 50mm), this mounting flange ensures a stable connection, offering durability and easy installation. Perfect for boat and yacht builders, it provides both strength and flexibility in propulsion system setups.
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$ 80.82
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1-2 weeks delivery time The TOR Marine Brass Stern Tubes are designed for marine propulsion shaft installations, providing durable protection and alignment for propeller shafts. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant brass, the tubes are available for shaft diameters Ø25 mm, Ø30 mm, Ø40 mm, Ø45 mm, and Ø50 mm, with internal diameters ranging from 32 mm to 59 mm and outer diameters from 39 mm to 67 mm. Length options include 1000 mm, 1250 mm, 1500 mm, 1750 mm, and 2000 mm depending on the model. Each stern tube is supplied as a single piece and designed for long-term reliability in marine environments.
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$ 237.73
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1-2 weeks delivery time The STB stuffing box seal kit is a traditional packing gland solution for marine shaft sealing systems. Designed for shaft diameters from 25 mm to 50 mm and 1" to 2", with stern tube sizes from 42 mm to 70 mm. Features flexible bellows with clamp mounting and controlled water lubrication via bushing, supplied as a complete installation kit.
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$ 83.24
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1-2 weeks delivery time The STB water-lubricated shaft seal is a stern tube sealing system designed for marine propulsion applications. Suitable for shaft diameters from 25 mm to 50 mm and 1" to 2", with stern tube diameters from 42 mm to 70 mm. Features a flexible bellows construction with clamp mounting and integrated water supply for lubrication and cooling.
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$ 91.39
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Super Marine rubber shaft seal is a lip-type stern tube seal for marine propulsion systems. Designed for shaft diameters from 22 mm to 40 mm with stern tube diameters from 38 mm to 60 mm. Made from oil- and temperature-resistant rubber and supplied ready for installation with stainless steel clamps, grease tube, and grease nipple. Available with or without water injection.
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$ 101.80
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus ZWBH is a flexible triple lip shaft seal with integrated bearing for water-lubricated shaft systems. Designed for shaft diameters Ø25–35 mm, it features a self-aligning rubber housing with brass support, triple sealing lips, and a 10 mm water hose connection. Operating temperature range: 15°C to +85°C.
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$ 142.11
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus ZWBH is a flexible triple lip shaft seal with integrated bearing for water-lubricated shaft systems. Designed for shaft diameters Ø25–35 mm, it features a self-aligning rubber housing with brass support, triple sealing lips, and a 10 mm water hose connection. Operating temperature range: 15°C to +85°C.
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$ 379.18
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Volvo VP-NBR Propeller Shaft Seals are flexible rubber shaft seals designed for marine stern tube applications. Manufactured from NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), they provide reliable sealing around propeller shafts, preventing water ingress while ensuring smooth shaft rotation. These seals are available for shaft diameters from 25 mm to 2″, making them suitable for a wide range of Volvo-type marine installations.
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$ 294.10
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maucour bronze stuffing box is a floating packing gland shaft seal for marine propulsion systems. Designed for shaft diameters Ø22–40 mm, it features a reinforced hose connection, flange compression sealing, and includes stainless steel clamps with PTFE packing (unassembled) for adjustable sealing performance.
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$ 361.51
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lasdrop DrySeal is a maintenance-free shaft lip seal for marine propulsion systems, designed for shafts from 22 to 60 mm. Available with single or double water injection, it features a split front housing for easy seal replacement without shaft removal.
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$ 437.81
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Lasdrop Gen2 is a mechanical face shaft seal with stainless steel and carbon sealing surfaces, designed for shafts from 25 to 60 mm. It provides 100% dripless operation, no shaft wear, and uses a premium silicone hose instead of traditional bellows.
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$ 761.25
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Tides Marine seriesOne™ stern tube shaft seal is designed for smaller, single-engine vessels with stainless steel propeller shafts, covering shaft diameters from 7/8″ to 1 1/4″ (in 1/8″ steps) and metric shafts from 25 mm to 30 mm. The lip seal is not replaceable—when worn, the entire housing must be replaced. Each kit includes an application-specific articulating hose (single or multi-convolution option) and four 316 stainless steel hose clamps, and requires a pressurized water supply with 1 gallon per minute at idle.
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$ 474.99
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Tides Marine SureSeal Single Injection Propeller Shaft Seal is a drip-free, self-aligning sealing system for stainless steel propeller shafts, supplied as a kit with an articulating hose and four hose clamps. The SureSeal housing is made from fiber-reinforced composite, includes an integral PTFE bearing, and uses a replaceable lip seal accessed through a removable front cap. Cooling/lubricating water is supplied via a single 316 stainless steel injection fitting (3/8" or 1/2" depending on shaft size). For servicing convenience, SureSeal can be paired with a Spare Seal Carrier Kit to enable lip seal replacement without uncoupling the shaft and, when applicable, in the water.
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$ 801.55
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Tides Marine SureSeal Single Injection Propeller Shaft Seal (FSK series) is a drip-free, self-aligning shaft seal kit for stainless steel propeller shafts (imperial sizes 1"–3"), supplied as a complete kit with an articulating hose and four hose clamps. The composite housing contains an integral PTFE bearing and a replaceable lip seal accessible via a removable front cap; cooling/lubricating water is supplied through a 3/8" or 1/2" 316 stainless steel injection fitting. SureSeal is easy to install, requires minimal scheduled maintenance, and can be used with Spare Seal Carrier Kits to allow lip-seal replacement without uncoupling the shaft (when carrier is fitted).
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$ 670.58
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How does propeller shaft material affect performance and service life?
Propeller shafts are commonly manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloys selected for strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to the marine environment. The shaft material must withstand continuous torque, bending loads, and exposure to seawater while maintaining an accurate running surface for bearings and shaft seals.
Correct material selection, shaft diameter, machining accuracy, and alignment all influence long-term reliability. A properly manufactured and installed shaft helps reduce vibration, uneven bearing wear, and premature seal damage.
What types of bearings are used with marine propeller shafts?
Cutlass bearings are among the most common bearings used to support marine propeller shafts. They typically use a water-lubricated bearing surface inside a metallic or composite outer shell, allowing the shaft to rotate while maintaining support and alignment.
Bearing size, shaft diameter, installation position, and water flow should all be matched correctly to the propulsion system. Excessive bearing wear or poor alignment can cause vibration, shaft movement, and accelerated wear of other stern gear components.
What maintenance is important for propeller shafts and stern gear?
Regular inspection should include checking the propeller shaft for corrosion, scoring, bending, or excessive movement, as well as inspecting bearings, shaft seals, couplings, and mounting hardware for wear or damage.
Shaft alignment should also be checked whenever vibration, unusual noise, seal leakage, or abnormal bearing wear is detected. Keeping the shaft line correctly aligned and replacing worn bearings or sealing components when necessary helps maintain smooth operation and prevent damage to the propulsion system.
What components are included in a propeller shaft and stern gear system?
A typical propeller shaft and stern gear system may include the propeller shaft, stern tube, cutlass bearings, shaft seals, propeller nuts, shaft couplings, and related drive components. Some installations also use flexible couplings or CV joint drive systems to connect the gearbox to the shaft line.
Each component has a specific role in supporting, aligning, sealing, and transmitting power through the propulsion system, so compatibility between shaft diameter, bearings, seals, couplings, and stern tube dimensions is essential.