Rudder Post Play/Movement

H

h2ojunke

.
Dec 29, 2013
4
Beneteau 393 Oceanis Savannah
Was servicing the rudder/steering cables on our 2002 Beneteau 393 the other day. I noticed that when the wife applied pressure to the wheel as the quadrant hit the stops, the upper post flexed. I didn't measure it, but would guess it was 1/4-3/8s in both directions. This seemed excessive. I saw no signs of delamination where the gussetts were tabbed onto the hull and/or post. Anyone have experience with this? was thinking of reinforcing this summer.
 
Ted

Ted

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Jan 26, 2005
1,272
C&C 110 Bay Shore, Long Island, NY
I'm not familiar with how the rudder support on your Beneteau 393 is constructed but your problem may not be a structural one. Many boats use top and bottom low friction bushings within a structural tube to allow the rudder post to rotate smoothly. Over time these bushings ware and cause the rudder post to flop around. Some manufacturers installed zerk fittings or grease cups to allow the owner to lubricate the rudder post without having to drop the rudder which helps prevent premature ware. Check to see if there is excessive play between the rudder post and the bushing before you decide to make structural modifications. It's usually pretty easy to replace a worn bushing once the rudder is out of the boat. Post some photos if you can.
 
H

h2ojunke

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Dec 29, 2013
4
Beneteau 393 Oceanis Savannah
We dropped the rudder on last haul out and replaced the bottom bearing, but think I still have some slop as we get rudder vibrations over 7 knots (when down winding). I think I didn't get it bonded in good as the bearing cavity was slightly oversized.

Either way, will verify the play is in the post, not the rudder tube before moving fwd (good tip).

Thanks for the reply.
 
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