jlgiles
New Member
I have a Beneteau First 285 (1987) and the rudder is very stiff (tiller steering) I suspect the bearings are partly seized. Any advice on replacing them wold be very much appreciated and does anyone know a supplier? Thanks
b eneteau rudder bearing replacement
- Thread starter jlgiles
- Start date
Skysail
Well-Known Member
Neil_Y
Well-Known Member
If you can't get an original beneteau part, then you can go to any bearing supplier who will supply either blank material or material machined to suit your rudder shaft and rudder tubes size.
Bearings are either mounted in a sealant adhesive like 5200 or on epoxy. Some have a lip so when pushed in from the outside you still have something to hold onto to remove them.
Many yard engineers will stock material like Delrin which can be used as a bearing material, and will machine this to suit the boat.
We supply bearings generally for larger vessels rudders and stern tubes, but if you are stuck or want the very best in composite bearings then give us a call.
Bearings are either mounted in a sealant adhesive like 5200 or on epoxy. Some have a lip so when pushed in from the outside you still have something to hold onto to remove them.
Many yard engineers will stock material like Delrin which can be used as a bearing material, and will machine this to suit the boat.
We supply bearings generally for larger vessels rudders and stern tubes, but if you are stuck or want the very best in composite bearings then give us a call.
billcole
Well-Known Member
The bearings on my 1988 First 305 responded well to being greased with silicone grease. Don't use petroleum based grease though, as it can be absorbed by some plastics, causing them to swell and make the stiffness worse, not better.
jlgiles
New Member
I know this is a daft question but how do you actually get the grease to the bearings?
Greenwichman
Well-Known Member
Beenytwo rudders
Hello, you don't say whether yours is a twin or single rudder?
I have owned my 285 (1989) for nearly 6 years; she is a twin-rudder (lifting keel) version. The tiller has always been a bit stiff to move, but perfectly usable and the boat is so easy to balance that she is not hard to steer. Some who sail with me think the boat lacks 'feel', but she tracks well and is controllable even in a blow, which tends to make me think it is simply a feature of the twin-rudder design. Happy to be advised differently.
I used to spray the the upper bearing (where the tiller connects with the central post) with silicone oil. But now, on the advice of another owner I avoid any lubrication at all and simply keep it well washed in fresh water. This removes the salt deposits which otherwise combine with the silicone spray to make a kind of sticky paste that only makes things worse.
I have yet to investigate the two rudder-head bearings in the lazarette. Neither has grease nipples, so yard maintenance would seem necessary and would probably be expensive. So I have been putting off any work on these, not least as I am not sure there is a problem to be solved.......
Hello, you don't say whether yours is a twin or single rudder?
I have owned my 285 (1989) for nearly 6 years; she is a twin-rudder (lifting keel) version. The tiller has always been a bit stiff to move, but perfectly usable and the boat is so easy to balance that she is not hard to steer. Some who sail with me think the boat lacks 'feel', but she tracks well and is controllable even in a blow, which tends to make me think it is simply a feature of the twin-rudder design. Happy to be advised differently.
I used to spray the the upper bearing (where the tiller connects with the central post) with silicone oil. But now, on the advice of another owner I avoid any lubrication at all and simply keep it well washed in fresh water. This removes the salt deposits which otherwise combine with the silicone spray to make a kind of sticky paste that only makes things worse.
I have yet to investigate the two rudder-head bearings in the lazarette. Neither has grease nipples, so yard maintenance would seem necessary and would probably be expensive. So I have been putting off any work on these, not least as I am not sure there is a problem to be solved.......
Plevier
Well-Known Member
I have a twin rudder First 29, I think the mechanism is identical to the 285.
There is quite a lot of stiffness that spoils the feel but I haven't been able to find anything actually wrong with it.
(Greenwichman - I've emailed you about another question.)
There is quite a lot of stiffness that spoils the feel but I haven't been able to find anything actually wrong with it.
(Greenwichman - I've emailed you about another question.)
jlgiles
New Member
Many thanks Skysail for this link
jlgiles
New Member
Thanks for all the information from everyone. It seems that stiff Beneteau rudders are not rare and may be the norm. I think I will just live with it. Thanks again to everyone.