View Full Version : Rudder bearing service
Once again looking for your intellgent responses! In the hopes of getting various issues solved beforehand, I need help here. During the construction of my hull I want to incorporate a mini bulkhead affair that would encapsulate the rudder post. It will be designed to be sufficently above the waterline to allow the safe removal of the rudder. I would like the capability of replacing all bearings while in the water if the need ever arose. Is this worthwhile or just my paranoia?
SailDesign
06-26-2003, 09:42 PM
Kudu,
You're paranoid...... (in this case) You shouldn't need to have to do that kind of thing. In 10+ years of drawing boats for solo round-the-world racing, I have never drawn a dry-replaceable bearing, or heard of anyone needing such a beast. Rufdder bearingsare the most lightly-loaded bearing system in the boat - limited range of movement, extremely slow rotational velocities, etc.
Should you feel the need for something to make you feel safe, however, just build a rudder tube that is continuous from hull to deck, and line the whole thing with a Dixon/Furon CJ bearing or similar. Insert rudder and forget. ;-)
Steve
Thanks for the input...Sometimes I tend "over build" in preparation for the worst! Glad to hear this is one item that doesn't require the same amount of attention.
View Full Version : Rudder bearing service