Rover4679
New Member
- Mar 16, 2023
- 19
- Boat Info
- 2000 Sea Ray 380 AC
- Engines
- 454, 200
Just a quick note to share a learning regarding cutlass bearings on my 2000, 380, Aft Cabin. After hitting something underwater and having to replace the starboard transmission and shaft, I decided to replace both cutlass bearings since the one shaft was already out. Neither of the bearings "appeared" to have ever been changed and showed a fair bit of wear in the form of no discernable grooves and the rubber had twisted and glazed. I keep my 7.4's tuned and serviced and my top speed at best trim was 19.7 knots and a decent cruising speed was around 16knots. After getting the boat back in the water I immediately noticed that my throttle position was far less for a given speed than before so after a little break-in for the transmission, I throttled up and ran 26.3 knots max. I haven't taken the time yet to figure out the fuel usage difference but I have to believe its significant. Just thought I would share as I would have never believe that the friction from worn cutlass bearings could make that much difference.