Lightweight and maintenance-free -
spherical bearings in a catamaran

• What was needed: fixed flange bearings, pillow block bearings, and rod end bearings for use in water
• Requirements: saltwater-resistant, heat-resistant
• Industry: boats
• Success through collaboration: Fast delivery, cost-effective manufacture of customer-specific functional components

Recreative Electric Vehicles, a shipyard in southern France, is building an electric catamaran that is 80% recyclable.

Problem

The task was construction of a mechanical flight control system for a hydrofoil sailing ship. Tight tolerances for appropriate control precision and high component reliability were absolute prerequisites. The components had to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, such as moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, impact loads from flotsam, and more. Freedom from lubrication was of particular importance: On the one hand, the bearings were to be maintenance-free, but there is practically no maintenance in routine operation. But lubrication would attract dust and sand from the ship berth, quickly damaging the bearings. 

Solution

Various products from the igubal® and drylin® product groups now ensure function for the "iFLY15" sports catamaran, a sailboat that lifts itself completely out of the water on hydrofoils.
The push/pull attachment for controlling and lifting the electric motor uses lightweight, wear-resistant, seawater-resistant, maintenance-free igubal® pillow block bearings.