Rudder post movement/banging

[SteveB62]

Hi all, I have a 2014 Bavaria 37 Cruiser with twin helms. After replacing the lower rudder bearings recently there has been some movement in the top of the rudder post which is happening when there is a swell across the stern or when tacking in rough seas. It appears that the bottom plates - the small rectangular ones - holding the top rudder bearing are moving around, see the attached pictures. I tried tightening the rudder post bolts as much as possible given they were into an aluminium plate and fitted locking nuts to the bolts (see attached pictures). This did not stop the movement.
I'm thinking the next step is to apply FixTech adhesive to the bearing plate and the bolt plates. This will still allow for flex in the rudder post and for the top bearing to work. Any thoughts on this?
Is anyone else having this issue and how did you solve it?

[Krumelur]

You didn't include a picture from above. I had a similar problem on my 40.
When I bought it the inspection showed that the upper part of the rudder post is moving left and right.
The problem was fixed by drilling new holes next to the existing ones and using new bolts. You can see the old sealed holes and the black circular markings on the left to estimate how much the post moved.
I am now (4 years later) trying to understand what could have happened by checking your images. It would seem that the top part of the rudder is just bolted through the fiberglass of the hull and clamped by plates from below and above. My assumption is that lose bolts would widen the diameter of the holes in the fiberglass leading to movement.

[SteveB62]

It does look like you had the same issue and thank you for the reply 😁 It may not be clear in the photos I supplied but the plate holding the top rudder bearing has elongated holes that allow the side to side movement. I do find this surprising but thought it was the standard factory component. This is what I was hoping to establish by asking the forum.
I like the way you went about identifying the problem on your boat by marking the plate. I will do the same now before going any further. Again, many thanks for your response and suggestion.

[Mirror45184]

SteveB62,

The top bearing is supposed to have some movement for adjustment to make the rudder vertical. Once the rudder has been aligned the top bearing is locked. The photo Krumelur posted shows a row of three bolts on either side of the  housing. the central one is supposed to be a tight fit and is used to lock the top bearing in place. There is an old thread on this site, where the owner solved the problem by fixing a split disk around the housing.

Cheers
Mark

[SteveB62]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for replying to my question. The fixings for the Bavaria's prior to 2013 is a little different. The movement I am getting is in the bearing plate, not the bearing itself. The bearing still moves inside this plate as needed for rudder post flex as you mention. I plan to email Jefa to get their solution and will post in due course.

Best regards, Steve - SV Daisy

[Mirror45184]

Hi SteveB62,
Agree that the Bearing fits into the bearing housing in a spherical mount to allow for the deck flexing. I am referring to locking the bearing plate in place once the rudder post/shaft is set vertical.