shafttube

Have had problems with water leakage at shaft sealing, specially during manouvering. Would it be an idea to install a cutlass bearing also at  part of shaft tube close to engine, to stabilize shaft? Shaftsealing being a deep sea seal, type John Crane, water cooled. Also, now replacing four rubber bearings at enginebed. Those being replaced are marked with number 45. Are there any special maker/specification to these bearings? Engine is Perkins 4.108 and cruising speed is 2400 rpm. Your advise would be most appreciated. Kind regards Thorbjorn/Ravn 411 - 36

Dear Thorbjörn
Adding a bearing is not the right approach here. It appears there is a shaft and engine alignment problem causing vibration in the shaft, and this causes seal leakage. Also check whether the rubber bearing in the shaft strut is worn.
After you have installed the new flexible mounts a proper alignment procedure should be performed.
Suitable flexible mounts should be available from your Perkins dealer. The engine weight is used for determining their characteristics.
Best regards
Lars