Speed ​​across the water without corrosion

Rushing across the water on a motorized surfboard: The Jetsurf combines the thrill of jet skiing with the steering feel of a motorcycle. To ensure that the fun of riding in salt water isn't spoiled by technical failure, the engineers at the Czech manufacturer MSR Engines rely on Igus plain bearings made of high-performance plastic. The polymer bearings make the sports equipment more efficient in many ways.

The Jetsurf is a motorized surfboard that can be ridden while standing using a handlebar and shifting your body weight. A small jet propulsion system, available with either a gasoline or electric motor, propels the board across the water at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The manufacturer, MSR Engines from Brno, Czech Republic, describes the thrill of jet skiing with the steering feel of a motorcycle – agile, powerful, and exciting. For the founders of MSR Engines, the Jetsurf is another opportunity to demonstrate their engineering expertise. Starting in 2005, they initially developed combustion engines for motorsports, for renowned clients such as the BMW F1 Team and the Red Bull KTM MotoGP Team. Starting in 2008, when many racing departments were hit by the economic crisis, the engineers focused on building motorized surfboards. They initially launched a version with a combustion engine, later followed by a version with an electric motor.

The challenge: Finding plain bearings for constant contact with salt water

As with the engines for Formula 1 teams, the designers also faced challenges with the motorized surfboard. For example, they had to find specialized plain bearings for the handlebar mount and the throttle grip. This was no easy task, as the bearings had to meet several requirements simultaneously: They had to be corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free, shock-resistant, compact, and lightweight, all while operating without lubricant. "We knew the project couldn't be realized with traditional metal bearings," says Martin Hlaváč, Research and Development Engineer at MSR Engines. Instead, the designers used plain bearings made of high-performance plastic from Igus. Plain bearings with a flange made of iglidur P are used in the handlebar mount to enable smooth pivoting while riding. Due to their thermal stability and low water absorption, iglidur P plain bearings are among the most dimensionally stable outdoor all-round bearings for changing environmental conditions. In addition, iglidur J plain bearings are found in the throttle grip, which the rider uses to control the engine power. As versatile endurance runners, they ensure smooth and controlled rotation of the grip.

Jetsurf longer lasting, lower maintenance, and more sustainable thanks to polymer bearings

The polymer bearings meet the demanding requirements of the jetsurf. Unlike metal bearings, they are 100 percent corrosion-resistant, even in constant contact with salt water. And unlike many conventional plastics, they have such low moisture absorption that their dimensional stability is maintained for years. Another advantage: Solid lubricants in the material eliminate the need for lubrication with oil or grease. This saves both time and costs for lubricants and maintenance work. Furthermore, there is no risk of lubricants seeping into the water and polluting the environment. Last but not least, the polymer bearings weigh around 80 percent less than comparable metal bearings. This also benefits the engineers, who value lightweight construction and long range. Thanks to carbon materials and lightweight components such as the polymer bearings, a jet surf weighs just under 20 kilograms – a fraction of the weight of a jet ski, which usually weighs over 300 kilograms. "The polymer bearings from igus are exactly what we were looking for," Hlaváč concludes. "They contribute to making the jet surf more durable, low-maintenance, and more sustainable."