Navigating smoothly: the power of dry-running, maintenance-free components aboard boats
It’s no secret that maintaining components aboard a boat can be a difficult and frustrating task. Between maintaining proper lubrication on moving components, dealing with corrosion, and facing the ingress of dirt, dust and other debris, there are numerous ways a component could wear prematurely and eventually fail.
However, the solution to these problems is a simple one: dry-running plastic components from igus®. These components are not only maintenance-free and grease-free, but they resist dirt, dust and corrosion completely to ensure optimal performance in any conditions. Read on to learn more about the benefits of these components and how they can transform your application.
Benefits of plastic components over metal
Corrosion resistance
One of the biggest benefits of using plastic components aboard boats rather than metal is their inherent resistance to corrosion. While metal components can easily corrode and experience increased wear when exposed to saltwater, there’s no concern of corrosion impacting plastic components, making them much more reliable across all marine applications.
Shock absorption
Tribologically optimized components from igus are able to absorb vibrations and impacts and maintain smooth operation. This is perfect for dealing with engine vibrations or particularly rough seas where vibrations and shocks are unavoidable.
Quiet operation
Metal components tend to operate loudly compared to plastic, especially when proper lubrication is not maintained. Plastic components eliminate noises like squeaking and grinding due to their inherent low-friction properties, enhancing passenger comfort.
Lightweight
Plastics are, of course, much lighter than metal; in some cases up to 80% lighter. By switching from metal to dry-running plastics, the weight of the entire boat can be reduced, extending fuel economy and reducing wear on components all across the boat.
Grease-free
Eliminating grease from components used on boats has both environmental and practical benefits. The environmental impact is the minimization of grease runoff into water, helping to better preserve the ocean environment.
Practically, switching to grease-free components reduces the amount of maintenance needed across the boat, and helps keep equipment aboard the boat cleaner. Material costs can also be reduced, as there would be no need to purchase grease for lubrication.
Key dry-running components and their marine applications
igus plastic components can be used in various application areas all over a boat. From seating adjustments and door slides to engine mounts or cranes and davit systems, there are countless ways to integrate plastic components in ship and boat applications.
iglide® plain bearings
Plain bearings, while simpler than the other components that will be discussed, are equally effective and have just as wide a range of potential applications. Their ability to handle both sliding and swiveling motion makes them ideal in seating adjustments and adjustable headrests, while their vibration damping qualities are perfect for engine mounts.
Other application areas for plain bearings in boats include door slides for cabin or hatch doors, steering mechanisms, and various pieces of deck hardware where small movements occur like cleats and fairleads.
drylin® linear bearings
Linear bearings are designed for smooth, straight-line movement along a shaft or rail. This limits their potential applications compared to plain bearings, but allows for use in applications plain bearings are not suited for.
Any sliding components aboard a boat — think cabin doors and partitions, adjustable shade tops, drawers and storage compartments — make use of linear bearings. If there are any pop-up displays for electronics, these too require linear bearings to enable their movement.
Related: How plastic linear bearings and bushings can really float your boat
xiros® ball bearings
The lack of grease in igus ball bearings sets them apart from metal alternatives and makes them perfectly suited for marine applications. Motors, control levers and pulley systems are some of the areas where you’re most likely to see a ball bearing in use aboard a boat.
The lack of grease ensures there’s no opportunity for debris to gum up the bearings, keeping them performing optimally at all times and in all conditions.
PRT slewing rings
Slewing rings are large, rotational bearings designed for axial, radial, and moment loads. Boats with large equipment like onboard cranes, davit systems, or radar masts can utilize slewing rings to handle their rotation.
Other smaller pieces of equipment like rotating seat platforms or turntables will also require slewing rings for smooth rotation.
dryspin® lead screw assemblies
Lead screw assemblies are designed with the primary function of converting rotational motion into linear motion to achieve precise positioning. Ideal for compact areas, lead screw assemblies are most often used in adjustable head or foot rests, automated shade tops, and automated hatch mechanisms.
Real-world examples
Manufacturers across the globe have already begun making the switch to plastic components for boats rather than metal. Below are some success stories from these manufacturers.
PRT slewing rings for rotating davit
On the Solaris luxury yacht 80RS, a davit from the Italian company Innovative Structural Design ensures that dinghies can be lifted out of the water and swiveled into the stern garage. The davit consists of a vertical column installed on two PRT slewing ring bearings from igus®. Thanks to their sliding elements made of wear-resistant plastic, they are corrosion-free and ideal for use in areas with salt water contact.
Read more about the application
Motorboat steering console with maintenance-free hybrid roller bearings
The team at Pegazus Boats builds motorized yachts and fishing boats and has developed an innovative sliding system for the driver's console. It allows the boat to be steered either from the cabin or on the open deck. drylin® hybrid roller bearings, which are mounted on two guides made of anodized aluminium, ensure that the position of the console can be changed quickly and easily. The system is easy to install, corrosion-free and completely maintenance-free.
Read more about the application
Corrosion-free bearings for automatic wingsail drive system
bound4blue, a supplier of wingsails that utilize renewable energy, needed a bearing solution that offered both excellent corrosion resistance and low weight. igus was able to supply both xiros ball bearings for the pitot system, and heavy-duty iglide plain bearings for the gear shafts and support rods of the flap subsystem to meet these needs.
Read more about the application
Conclusion
Plastic components offer a wide range of benefits in marine applications that can’t be matched by metal. As the entire marine industry places increased importance on sustainable, low-maintenance solutions, igus plastics are going to become increasingly popular across the industry. Don’t miss out; contact us now to find out how you can utilize igus components aboard your boat.
