Decoding Cutlass Bearing Lingo
Marine sleeve bearings are universally measured by Inside Diameter × Outside Diameter × Total Length.
Example: Beneteau Part Number 037330 – identified as “CUTLASS BEARING 30X40X100+L R”
- 30: The Inside Diameter (I/D) is 30 mm. This is the exact thickness of the propeller shaft that will spin inside the bearing.
- 40: The Outside Diameter (O/D) is 40 mm. This represents the size of the outer shell that presses tightly into your boat’s stern tube, P-bracket, or strut housing.
- 100: The Total Length of the bearing is 100 mm
- +L R (The Material & Type Suffix)
- The suffix symbols specify the construction profile:
- L (Liner/Flange): Indicates that this is a Flanged or Lip bearing. Rather than a completely smooth cylinder, one end has an integrated lip or flange rim designed to bolt or lock externally against the stern tube housing to keep it from slipping forward.
- R (Rubber): Confirms that the bearing is “Rubber-Only” (or a full nitrile rubber shell) rather than having a rigid brass or phenolic metal casing. These flexible, all-rubber flanged bearings are pushed directly into the housing and typically secured using small non-metallic retention screws.
| Drive Shaft Diameter | Size Variations (ID × OD × Length) | Beneteau OEM Part # | Aftermarket Part Numbers | Compatible Beneteau Models (Shaft Drive) | Price 2026 + shiipping |
| 22 mm | CUTLASS BEARING 22X36X75+L R | 058900 | • Exalto: MRSFF22x29x75 • DriveForce / ASAP: 809914 / 809915 • Vetus: SET2229 • Orbitrade: 1-A-4901022 | • First 26 • First 285 • Oceanis 300 • Oceanis 311 (early shaft models) | |
| 25 mm | CUTLASS BEARING 25X40X100+L R | 059320 | • First 30, 310, 31.7, 32, 35, 38 • First 35s5, 38s5 • Oceanis 281, 321, 331, 351, 361 | $64.00 | |
| 1.00 in (25.4 mm) | • Option A: 1.00″ × 1.25″ × 4.00″ (Thin Wall) • Option B: 1.00″ × 1.50″ × 4.00″ (Standard Wall) | N/A (US Builds / Conversions) | • Duramax / Johnson Code: BACK (1.5″ OD) • Duramax / Johnson Code: BASS (1.25″ OD) • Vetus: 809008 • Exalto: IRSFF1x1.5×4 | • US-built (Marion, SC) hulls: Oceanis 321, 351, 361 (Imperial shaft options) | |
| 30 mm | • Option A: 30 mm × 40 mm × 120 mm (Phenolic Sleeve) • Option B: 30 mm × 45 mm × 120 mm (Brass Shell) • Option C: 30 mm × 40 mm × 100 mm (Short Fitment) | • 037330 | • Oceanis 381, 393, 400, 411, 423 • Oceanis 440, 461, 473 • First 40.7, 42, 45f5, 47.7 | ||
| 30 mm | CUTLASS BEARING 30X40X100+L R | 037330 | Oceanis 473 | $64.00 | |
| 35 mm | • Option A: 35 mm × 54 mm × 140 mm (Phenolic Sleeve) • Option B: 35 mm × 50 mm × 140 mm (Brass Shell) • Option C: 35 mm × 54 mm × 160 mm (Long Sleeve) | • 037335 | • DriveForce / ASAP: 809924 • Duramax Metric: 870354100 • Exalto: MRSFF35x54x140 • Vetus: SET3550 • Eliche Radice: 3550 | • Oceanis 50 (shaft version) • Oceanis 510, 523, 54 • Oceanis Clipper 500 • First 50, First 53 | |
| 40 mm | • Option A: 40 mm × 54 mm × 140 mm (Phenolic Sleeve) • Option B: 40 mm × 55 mm × 160 mm (Heavy Brass) | • 037340 | • DriveForce / ASAP: 809928 • Duramax Metric: 870404100 • Exalto: MRSFF40x54x140 • Vetus: SET4055 | • Oceanis 57, 60 • Sense 55, 57 (shaft versions) • Flagship / Custom Hulls |
Above: Part #037330
Non-metallic retention screws –
The Beneteau part number 937200 corresponds to a standard M6 x 8mm nylon machine screw (commonly documented in Beneteau parts manuals as “SCREW M MACH NYLON 6 X 8”). On many Beneteau sailboats, these are used as nylon set screws for cutlass bearings where standard steel could cause galvanic corrosion or damage threads.
- Thread Size: M6 (Metric 6mm)
- Length: 8mm
- Material: Nylon (Polyamide), which prevents corrosion in marine environments
- Drive/Head Type: Commonly found as slotted pan head (DIN 85) or standard set screw configurations.
M6 x 8mm nylon machine screw can be found at many local hardware or fastener stores.
Important Sizing Guidelines
Measuring Before Ordering:
Even within the same model year, Beneteau occasionally switched between thin-wall phenolic cutlass sleeves and brass-shelled bearings. Always confirm the outer diameter (OD) and sleeve length using calipers before purchasing replacement parts.
Key Notes & Fitment Details
1. Non-Metallic Composite Sleeves vs. Brass Shells Beneteau heavily utilizes non-metallic (nitrile rubber/phenolic composite) bearing sleeves rather than traditional brass-shelled cutlass bearings. These bearings set directly into the stern tube or strut and are typically held in place using 2 non-metallic grub/set screws.
2. Saildrive Models Excluded Many modern Beneteaus (e.g., Oceanis 30.1, 34.1, 38.1, 40.1, 46.1, 51.1) and performance models (e.g., First 27, 36) utilize Yanmar or Volvo Penta Saildrives (SD20, SD50, SD60, 120S, 150S). Saildrive systems do not have traditional prop shafts or cutlass bearings.
3. US Built Hulls (Marion, SC) vs. French Built Hulls Most Beneteaus built in France strictly use standard metric shafts (22mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm). However, some models built in Marion, South Carolina, for the North American market were occasionally fitted with 1-inch (25.4mm) imperial shafts or converted during repowers. Always measure with digital calipers prior to ordering.
