Stern Tube Bearing · Shaft Line Equipment
The SKF Simplex‑Compact SC2/SC3 is a compact stern tube bearing unit that integrates a double‑lip shaft seal with a high‑precision rolling‑element bearing, providing oil‑lubricated support for low‑speed propulsion shafts.
What our service work and the manufacturer documentation say about keeping this model running.
Bearing clearance measurement at drydock. Daily drain inspection of shaft seal. Oil analysis quarterly. Propeller inspection at drydock.
| Stern tube oil sampling (water content check) | typically every 500-1,000 running hours or monthly |
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| Header tank level check | daily to weekly, per class requirement |
| Seal lip renewal | condition-based - typically at dry-docking or on leakage/wear evidence |
| Bearing clearance check | at each dry-docking or per the class survey scheme |
Typical intervals for this design class, not the manufacturer’s figures for your model. The manufacturer’s manual is binding.
| Seal lip wear/interference loss | condition-based - renewal is generally recommended when the lip is visibly worn, hardened, or interference loss is evident on inspection; no single numeric limit applies universally - confirm against SKF's inspection guidance for the SC2/SC3 type |
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Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Stern tube seals and bearings are typically surveyed at each dry-docking or whenever the shaft is drawn or the seal opened for inspection. Class will want oil sampling records, a leakage/consumption trend, and bearing clearance evidence between dockings if the vessel runs an extended tailshaft survey scheme.
Estimated lifetime: Lip seals of this type are generally renewed on a condition basis at roughly one to two dry-docking cycles; the bearing itself, if properly lubricated and aligned, can often run for the life of the shaft line - confirm against SKF's specific guidance for the installed unit.
SKF Marine GmbH: Dichtungs-Elemente und Verschleißmesswerkzeuge an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 4-8 Wochen.
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