Iconic Schooner Fitted With Pollution-free Bearings

Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, 'Bluenose II', fitted with Thordon Bearings' water-lubricated stern tube & rudder bearings.

Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, the Bluenose II, relaunched September 29, 2012 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia fitted with pollution-free water lubricated stern tube and rudder bearings.  The extensive two-year $15.9 million restoration work was done by the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, made up of Covey Island Boat Works, Snyder's Shipyard and Lunenburg Industrial Foundry & Engineering.  The rebuild of the iconic vessel meant all new installation of many aspects including stern tube and rudder applications.   Specifically requesting water lubricated bearings, the Bluenose II now has a pollution-free stern tube and rudder bearing system. 

A fair bit of engineering went into the relaunch project to better fit the vessel with pollution-free bearing solutions.  Each shaft of the twin screw stern tube was fitted with three water-lubricated COMPAC bearings; two in the stern and one in the strut.   Grease was eliminated from the rudder by using SXL in the four pintle bearings and eight washer-type bearings.  Thordon SXL bearings were also installed in the upper rudder stock of the vessel.

Avalon Marine Limited, Thordon Bearings’ authorized distributor for Canada’s east coast, was heavily involved early on with the recommendation and design process of the vessel’s propeller shaft and rudder system. “Once water-lubricated bearings were specified in the design, it was our job to deliver a total design solution that would accommodate the many unique aspects of the vessel.  Specs seemed to be ever-changing throughout the project but with our engineering support and expertise in the field we were able to provide a quality, pollution-free bearing solution that was tailored specifically for the trademark vessel.” says Chester McPherson, president of Avalon Marine Limited.

Bluenose II was originally launched in 1963 and was built by many of same people who had worked on the original vessel at the same shipyard in Lunenburg, NS.  Saving it from being scrapped, the vessel was transferred to the province of Nova Scotia in 1971 for just $1.   It continues today to serve as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador and historical reminder of the famed schooner launched in 1921 and undefeated after 17 years of racing against American and Canadian vessels.

Bluenose II also benefits from new mechanical and electrical systems and much of the original vessel was reused including: rigging, masts, sails, ironwork, deck structures, safety equipment and electronics. By 2013, the vessel will resume a full schedule of sailing.