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Trying to catch that elusive trophy fish...
how many times have fisherman tried to find the reason why they
could not land the big one. Was it the location? The bait? The line? Or
maybe if the boat was quieter? Well today's Captain can have the
advantage of a quiet boat with the Thordon propeller shafts bearings.
Noise has always been an Achilles' Heel in
sportfishing vessels. One of the common problems is the bearing
squealing that can occur when trolling at low speeds with conventional
rubber propeller shaft bearings.
As any sports fishing enthusiast knows, a
high pitched noise will reverberate for miles under water, chasing the
big fish away - especially marlins. What's the solution? For a growing
list of yacht builders, refitters and suppliers, the answer is Thordon
propeller shaft bearings.
Thordon propeller shaft bearings are fast
becoming the bearing of choice in a multitude of vessels from yachts to
fisheries research vessels to submarines. "Thordon offers three
different bearing grades (XL, SXL and COMPAC) for different sportfishing
yacht operating profiles." These grades are ideal in propeller shaft
applications where low acoustic noise signatures at low speeds and long
wear life are critical."
Major Yacht Builders Agree
"Our customers want smooth, quiet
operation at all speeds," says Thomas Glass of Donzi Yachts. A leading
builder and restorer of yachts, Donzi is renowned for their serious
fishing machines, as well as for pleasure crafts. The company was
introduced to Thordon Compac propeller shaft bearings in 1989 and due to
an exceptional track record of performance, now uses in all of their
models.
"Thordon does not get that high frequency
squeal common with rubber bearings at low shaft RPM's," says Glass. But
"no squeals" is not the only reason Donzi relies on Thordon. When it
comes to maintenance, "bearing replacement is not very often, indicating
long bearing life."
Retrofits and
Repairs
Jimmie Harrison agrees. As the owner of
Frank & Jimmie's Propeller Shop in Florida, he's been recommending
Thordon bearings for over eight years. "We appreciate the benefits..
Less friction means the shafts turn more easily and with less horsepower
absorbed by the bearing, all the noise seem to be eliminated and we are
seeing bearing life well in excess of rubber bearings."
There are also speed advantages due to
reduced friction associated with Thordon Compac bearings. In fact Donzi
initially installed Thordon on their "Speed Package" before expanding
its use into other vessels. "Early on," says Glass, "we noticed there
was an increase in RPM's over rubber bearings."
The Flexible
Choice
Thordon SXL rubber bearings, which can
run without water and grease lubrication and handle impact loading
without permanent deformation, are also available.
Smooth, quiet, low maintenance.
Everything the sportfishing enthusiasts need to catch the big one. That
is the Thordon advantage. |
