Beneteau 311 Twin Rudder TIe-Rod ends question, (Tie bar), why plastic?

[CaymanMom]

Hello , Question to this group please...re: twin rudder 311 tie bar (tie rod) ends are currently plastic, however one of mine broke off and we are replacing with steel, is there any "feature of function" that Beneteau would have made these in plastic? Like for breakaway? I am being told NO, solid steel would be better design, but asking the forum to chime in please !! Thank you much, Warm Caribbean Regards, CaymanMom

 

[dLj]

Hello , Question to this group please...re: twin rudder 311 tie bar (tie rod) ends are currently plastic, however one of mine broke off and we are replacing with steel, is there any "feature of function" that Beneteau would have made these in plastic? Like for breakaway? I am being told NO, solid steel would be better design, but asking the forum to chime in please !! Thank you much, Warm Caribbean Regards, CaymanMom

I'd have to see the complete system. There could be reason to prefer that part to break first. But not knowing everything about the system I can't even begin to give you an educated guess for an answer.

dj

 

[dlochner]

Hello , Question to this group please...re: twin rudder 311 tie bar (tie rod) ends are currently plastic, however one of mine broke off and we are replacing with steel, is there any "feature of function" that Beneteau would have made these in plastic? Like for breakaway? I am being told NO, solid steel would be better design, but asking the forum to chime in please !! Thank you much, Warm Caribbean Regards, CaymanMom

Mechanical systems are often built with fuses. The plastic fitting might have been the fuse, it breaks before something more expensive breaks.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

If you could photograph the entire system, it would go a long way towards figuring out exactly what you are dealing with. Sounds interesting.

Cold Canadian Regards from this part of the world.