411 Rudder removal

Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
I have a 1998 411, the steering has become very stiff. Removed the quadrant (that was a job) and removed the rudder shaft bolt, but the rudder, while it does turn stiffly, won't move down. Suggestions?
 
Nov 23, 2009
437
Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper --
By removing the quadrant I suppose you have removed the retaining pin too right (I am not referring to the pin that Gunni mentioned)?
Only asking because when I dropped my rudder it took me some time to understand why I could not lower it even after removing the pin at the collar on top of it....
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
By removing the quadrant I suppose you have removed the retaining pin too right (I am not referring to the pin that Gunni mentioned)? Only asking because when I dropped my rudder it took me some time to understand why I could not lower it even after removing the pin at the collar on top of it....
Yes, Ihave removed the only bolt the is visible, which runs thru the delrin colar and the rudder post. ( couldn't seeGunni's attachment)
 
Nov 23, 2009
437
Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper --
Yes, Ihave removed the only bolt the is visible, which runs thru the delrin colar and the rudder post. ( couldn't seeGunni's attachment)
"The only bolt which runs through the collar..."
No, there must be one more inside the quadrant. Only if you remove completely the quadrant you will be able to see that pin.
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
The rudder post must be clear of all attachments. If it will not drop after having all attachments, pins and collars removed it may be jammed internally within the rudder post tube. That may explain why it is not turning with ease. Check the entire rudder tube assembly below deck, looking for distortion, fractures, or damaged fiberglass.
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
Thanks Gunni and Phil. Yes I have completely removed the quadrant and also removed the bolt and collar on the rudder post. #'s 5 and 6 in Gunni's diagram. Phil, not sure what you refer to when you say: " I suppose you have removed the retaining pin too right?" Where would that be located? There is no distortion or cracking visible on the exterior (below deck) of the rudder tube. Frankly I was surprised not to find a lubrication port somewhere on the rudder tube. After 15 years, I guess there's enough marine growth within the tube to cause the friction. Most years the boat winters in the water. I didn't want to start pounding on the rudder post if there was another fastener within the assembly.
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Strange. The rudder should literally fall out at this point. Perhaps you could work it down and out from below (outside the boat). You are going to need a good bit of clearance below the boat.
 
Feb 8, 2013
92
beneteau 352 Raritan Bay
On my 352 this is the set up.. under the quadrant is that aluminum collar with a pin going through.. when you pull that pin it should drop out...

ForumRunner_20150307_054742.jpg
 
Nov 23, 2009
437
Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper --
Thanks Gunni and Phil. Yes I have completely removed the quadrant and also removed the bolt and collar on the rudder post. #'s 5 and 6 in Gunni's diagram. Phil, not sure what you refer to when you say: " I suppose you have removed the retaining pin too right?" .
# 5 of Gunni diagram shows the quadrant AND a pin/bolt. A second, smaller pin than the one that goes through the collar (# 6). This is the one I am referring to.
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
# 5 of Gunni diagram shows the diagram AND a pin/bolt. A second, smaller pin than the one that goes through the collar (# 6). This is the one I am referring to.
Yup, mine on the 411 is a black (delrin?) collar with the thru bolt. That came off easily, nothing attached to the rudder post, so now it's just a matter of pulling the rudder down. Thanks for all the confirmations. Fair winds.
 
Nov 23, 2009
437
Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper --
Hmm, either something wrong with the top nylon bearing and you will have to replace it (the bad case) or too much dirt over there and you will have to clean it (the good case). Good luck. Let us know what happened.
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
Unfortunately, they are not Beneteau parts. They directed me to the manufacturer of the rudder tube assembly, in FL, and they have not answered my request for information. Hence, this forum was most helpful.
 
Jan 6, 2014
35
Oceanis 351 Helsinki
Few questions concerning this rudder removal project.
1) how deep hole needs to be digged under the rudder?
2) while putting the rudder back, how do you tighten up quadrant cable?
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
Dug a 30" deep hole, the boat was chocked with the keel one foot off the ground. Have not reattached the cables yet.
 
Mar 4, 2015
16
Beneteau 411 Narragansett Bay
Rick, were you able to determine the cause of the stiff steering?
must have been the swelling of the carbon fibre over time as the rudder tube interior was clean. Sanding the rudder post and the interior of the tube fittings allowed for a smooth fit , aided by a lot of Lithium grease.
 
Last edited:
May 22, 2012
12
Beneteau 373 Miami
Removed the quadrant and both pins...yet, the rudder will not twist or come down. Any tips are really needed. Thanks.
 

RitSim

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Jan 29, 2018
457
Beneteau 411 Branford
Can the quadrant be removed with the boat in the water? I have removed the bolt going thru the upper side of the quadrant and can see another bolt on the underside. I assume that I need to also remove the lower bolt but don't want to swim for the rudder.
Quadrant close- markup.jpg