Beneteau 331 Rudder Play

[daveroche]

Good Day - I have noted my B331 has approx half an inch of rudder play when you move the rudder from side to side. Is this usual ?

I have taken a look at the rudder tube location and general system but it looks very awkward to get access to.

If I have to remove the rudder and adjust / renew the bearings is there a procedure to folllow to ensure I do this in the right way ?

Many thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Cheers,

Dave Roche

 

[mac1840]

Dave

Check the top bearing. it can come loose from the tube allowing excess rudder play and yes, its a tight fit back there.

Mac.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Half an inch (1cm+) sounds a bit more than normal. My rudder has around half a centimeter play and was also thinking of replacing bearings but I will leave it for next year. It's just too much work.
I have a feeling that the problem is not the top naylon bearing but the bronze one at the bottom. But anyway when you decide to drop the rudder just replace both of them.
Do you have any unusual symptons while sailing?
I onced pressed the boat TOO MUCH during a club race, sailing at angles of 25-30 degrees which is far beyond the boat limits and steering got very stiff. Up to this point, this is normal I believe. However, the steering remained stiff even after the race was over and the boat was back at the marina for a couple of hours gradually getting back to normal. Have no idea if this has to do with damaged bearings.
Below (hopefully I manage to upload them!) are some giudelines from Beneteau on how to change the rudder bearings.