Fixing Rudder Play on Sailboat.

Sailboat Rudder Fix:
After many seasons of service the rudder on my Beneteau 343 had developed a sizeable amount of play. In this video I provide a quick step by step overview on the process I took to remedy the problem.

[@layerriley1937]

Great fix!

[@1sailfast]

Nice job.

[@scottlawson9206]

Out of curiosity, would a better fix have been to replace the copper bearing with a thicker one? I just don't know if I'd trust a piece of silpat as a shim in that particular application (on the other hand, I hope it works well for you!).

[@sailingbeachhouse5416]

Thanks for the video. I to have a 343. Can you tell me how the rudder repair has held up.

[@svsecondwind3326]

So..... spent a wonderful summer sailing ...boat came out of water in December 2021 and is on the hard under cover for the winter . repair seems to be holding fairly well so far...(there is a slight bit of play I notice ...not like before though) but I am sure in a few more seasons I will probably replace the bushing with a new one and perhaps build up the fiberglass area where bushing abrades against with marine tex...a fella at my marina did that for his 343 and is a more proper job but it required having boat in lift and lifted high enough to get the rudder all the way out of boat . last year I just could not get my head around that kind of repair but probably could pull it off in a year or two.

[@bryllupsfotofilm]

How to fix the looseness in the steering column in a sailboat ( tiller)?

[@user-pn6mv4wy7w]

I see that your video was back in Jan so I assume you spent the summer on the water, how is this fix holding up?

[@svsecondwind3326]

thanks for asking. Please see reply above .

[@KubotaTee]

Based on reviewing Beneteau's installation instructions, it does not appear that your "fix" is appropriate for being replicated. Beneteau would have you first off, NOT use any grease between the rudder bearing and the rudder stock/post. The stainless steel collar of the rudder stock is meant to be lubricated against the inside of the rudder bearing by water. Secondly, they would have you secure the rudder bearing to the rudder tube using a PU sealant to assure that it does not rotate within the tube when the rudder is rotating. If you would like to see the rudder bearing installation guide from Beneteau, just let me know and I can send it to you.

[@richardfortin1199]

Ok sorry just looked at other replies ty