Abstract: A propeller system for ships includes a propeller shaft connected to be driven by a ship's drive shaft in order to drive the propeller of the ship connected thereto. The propeller shaft extends through a water-lubricated bearing located in the stern frame of the ship and the bearing is formed to include a first layer of hard rubber extending coaxially about the propeller shaft, a second layer of soft rubber arranged coaxially with the first layer and a tubular member exteriorly enclosing the water-lubricated bearing. Blind-ended bores are circumferentially distributed in the second layer and extend through approximately two-thirds of the length of the bearing.

Abstract: In a drive arrangement for a ship, a flexibly mounted drive unit provides the torque for a propeller shaft. The propeller shaft can be supported in a flexibly mounted thrust bearing. A drive shaft interconnecting the drive unit and the propeller shaft includes a single length rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each end. At least one of the universal joints can absorb axial movement while both can absorb angular movement. The drive unit may consist of a drive motor or the combination of a drive motor and a reduction gear unit interconnected by a rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each of its ends.