CarpeDiem 427 Posted November 21, 2019 Share Posted November 21, 2019 Does anyone have some insight into how I can service/inspect this without the rudder dropping into the Westhaven mud? Underneath I have a nipple for the bottom bearings, but nothing for the top. Underneath is just a fibreglass tube going from top to bottom with a nipple at the top attached to a flexible bit of hose that seems to go to the bottom bearings only as evidenced by grease commming out the bottom after filling it up. It started to squeak a bit on the way home from White Island so I think I need to do something about it. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,214 Posted November 21, 2019 Share Posted November 21, 2019 Rudder bearings are often water lubed. Depends what it’s made of, there are quite a few systems. No option but to get it out and take a look. Can be done in the water if you’re CERTAIN that the rudder tube goes right thru, and the boat won’t take on water... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CarpeDiem 427 Posted November 21, 2019 Author Share Posted November 21, 2019 100% certain, the tube is uninterrupted from hull to deck. So what's the process? There's obviously a big hexagonal thing at the top, infact apart from the four screws in the photo there is nothing else... What stops the rudder hitting the mud if I undo that nut? Does the rudder have to be supported first? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,579 Posted November 21, 2019 Share Posted November 21, 2019 That looks very similar to what I had on an earlier boat. In which case yes the rudder will drop. Tide grid methinks.at least till you know. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkside 61 Posted November 21, 2019 Share Posted November 21, 2019 Ours was un-caged plastic rollers (well something hard that looked like plastic) My cousin and I dropped the rudder on the hard at GH, nice clean tarmac. And we lost one roller........... Couldn't find it anywhere, so frustrating. Later I got a message from my cousin that he had found it in his shirt pocket. Be careful if you do it in the mud. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.