Self-aligning rudder bearings

[Ric]

I have been looking at the specs of the RM range of yachts. They give considerable prominence to the fact their boats have "self-aligning rudder bearings". Can anybody explain why this is something to crow about?

 

[Tranona]

Pretty much standard fare in modern boats with spade rudders. Just means that the bearings move in their housings as well as the stock moving in the bearing. Means they do not seize up when under sideways load.

 

[Neil_Y]

These are used where you have a rudder shaft that flexes due to high speed/high load, we have supplied ball and socket composite on composite for some fast cats, the carbon rudder shaft bends under load so the bearings move with it. Many people see these spherical roller or plain bearings as improvements though.

They need a proof reader though "With self-aligning rudder bearings bearings"