Bavaria 38 ocean rudder locking ring

[jmuir1]

Hi
My Bavaria38 ocean had the rudder removed, not by me, and I have refitted it. The boat is new to me and the locking ring which is secured by a grub screw at the side rotates with the rudder post as wheel is turned. There was was no washer between the top housing and the locking ring, both surfaces are smooth. Can another Bavaria 38 ocean owners tell me if there should be a Derlin washer/ring or similar between the 2 surfaces?

Thanks
Jm

 

[Playtime]

I used to own a 38 Ocean and, as far as I can remember, there was no washer between the locking ring and the rudder tube. The rudder would normally have positive buoyancy.

Is your steering stiff? If so, the problem could be the lower rudder bearing. It is very common on early Bavarias for the lower bearing to expand slightly (the bearing material is mildly hygroscopic) and bind on the rudder post.

 

[jmuir1]

Bearing was stiff but has been sorted by new bearing, the new lower had to be milled out slightly as was still a tight fit over the rudder post. Fitted it all on last week and now feels much better , out the water anyway...in next week. Thanks for info again, think I pm you a few months ago re my boat in Scotland. Fair winds
JM