Cutlass bearing selection

[kcpilotpat]

I have the prop shaft out of a 2002 21 LSV  vee drive.  The recommendations are to replace the seal with a dripless seal and the cutlass bearings.  There are 2 bearings available. Brass and vesconite.  What is the groups experience and which should I use. Cost diff is minimal. It's all new to me so I will follow recommendations. I was going to get this shaft seal.  I haven't ordered anything yet.

https://www.myinboardmarine.com/products/flex-gland-system-drive-shaft-seal-kit-1-1-8-by-johnson-propeller-new?_pos=1&_sid=cfb5d76fc&_ss=r

these are the bearings.

https://www.myinboardmarine.com/products/strut-bushing-1-1-8-i-d-x-1-1-5-o-d?_pos=10&_sid=1d782d605&_ss=r

https://www.myinboardmarine.com/products/strut-bearings-set-glide-marine-vesconite-1-1-8-x-1-1-2?_pos=3&_sid=519f183d4&_ss=r

[Nick55]

I prefer the vesconite myself.

[justgary]

I also used vesconite when I changed mine.  I had to split my old bushings and peel them out of the strut.  It took quite a while to get them out, and that was with the strut in a vise.

[Nick55]

Yeah, I used a hacksaw blade, and cut a slice in each of the old ones and then was able to press/knock them out.  With the metal sheath around the rubber you have to be careful you cut that but not the strut, and it does take some time.  I used some 1/2” threaded rod, some washers, and a few nuts to build a puller of sorts to press the new bushings in.  Oh, and make sure you remove the set screws from the strut if it’s got them before you try to cut the old bushings out.  

Ron Tanis - How to replace a typical ski boat cutlass bearing

Edited May 2 by Nick55
Fixed link

[kcpilotpat]

Thanks all. I will order the vesconite bearing and dripless seal. 

[Nick55]

To be honest, I prefer the gortex rope instead of dripless.  Just for ease of maintenance if I do end up with a leak, you’re not separating the shaft and coupling to slide a new seal on.