ADVICE dropping a spade rudder

[30boat]

Knuterikt. Is that snow in your first picture? Many in Oz have little idea of what you guys have to live with (I did live in Manchester for 3 years but not boating). I'm not going near my boat this week because it is too hot. 35+ (deg C) last few days, 40 tomorrow and 30 min overnight. Andrew

I know what you mean.Here in the Algarve there are days in the Summer when I prefer to sit still in the shade than going sailing.For the same reason I don't ride my bike because I can't bear the idea of putting on all the gear,like helmet,jacket or gloves.

 

[knuterikt]

Knuterikt. Is that snow in your first picture? Many in Oz have little idea of what you guys have to live with (I did live in Manchester for 3 years but not boating). I'm not going near my boat this week because it is too hot. 35+ (deg C) last few days, 40 tomorrow and 30 min overnight. Andrew

It's real snow in that picture
During winter we can either take the boat out of the water as we did when this picture was taken or leave the boat in the water in a place with bubbles.

We have dropped the rudder twice both times during winter lay up as planned tasks.
First time was for inspection of rudder/bearings/shaft
Second time was to install a gaitor between the rudder shaft and the rudder tube as the joke of a seal installed by Beneteau never worked (It's not important since the end of the rudder tube i 30 cm above waterline)
The gaitor after install

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/knuterikt/Autopilot/IMG_1632_zpsb378c0ba.jpg

 

[sailorman]

It's real snow in that picture
During winter we can either take the boat out of the water as we did when this picture was taken or leave the boat in the water in a place with bubbles.

We have dropped the rudder twice both times during winter lay up as planned tasks.
First time was for inspection of rudder/bearings/shaft
Second time was to install a gaitor between the rudder shaft and the rudder tube as the joke of a seal installed by Beneteau never worked (It's not important since the end of the rudder tube i 30 cm above waterline)
The gaitor after install

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/knuterikt/Autopilot/IMG_1632_zpsb378c0ba.jpg

We have a shaft stuffing box & greaser made in bronze,
your photo is that how benny do it or your mod.

 

[knuterikt]

We have a shaft stuffing box & greaser made in bronze,
your photo is that how benny do it or your mod.

That is my mod, got it from Jefa http://www.jefa.com
The Beneteau original was an intermediate bearing at the top end of the shaft tube with groves for two O-rings, problem with that design is that it was not perfectly aligned (impossible with a unsupported tube) as you need for an O-rings to work.
Supporting a shaft at three points top, middle and bottom is not easy.

Here you can see the flange of the intermediate bearing (how benny did it), probably not at real problem since this well above waterline. But we removed this bearing as i serves no purpose other than extra friction.

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/knuterikt/Autopilot/IMG_1484.jpg

 

[Andrew G]

Knuterikt, I don't want to be a smart A but I'd be putting a second hose clamp (jubilee clamp) on each of the top and bottom of the gaitor - they can let go and sink the boat (admittedly it is well above the water line - when stationary). Andrew

 

[knuterikt]

Knuterikt, I don't want to be a smart A but I'd be putting a second hose clamp (jubilee clamp) on each of the top and bottom of the gaitor - they can let go and sink the boat (admittedly it is well above the water line - when stationary). Andrew

I considered this before installing, the kit came with only the two in the picture.
- The end of the tube is above waterline while heeling and motoring.
- This opening have newer been sealed properly (even when new) and the boat has not been taking i water through this tube.
- I put the gaitor there to prevent air being sucked down to the rudder.

 

[Andrew G]

I'm happy you thought of it (it is just my habit I guess). A

 

[knuterikt]

I'm happy you thought of it (it is just my habit I guess). A

Better to give a warning to often