Hi
Fitted rudder as it was removed from boat, there was a screw down locking ring with grub scew at side. This rotates with the rudder stock, there was no spacer on reassembly so it's metal, i.e the locking ring on the top of the bearing holder. The boat is new to me and I've no idea as I didn't take it apart. Is there anyone with a Bavaria 38 ocean that can tell me if there is meant to be a spacer or is this the way is is meant to be i.e no spacer. Just thought it strange- 2 metal surfaces one fixed and the other rotating.
John
Any Bavaria ocean 38 owners.........?
post a picture, maybe it is similar to other Bavarias and you get help
Jam
I may be wrong but I think many Bavs have the same or similar fixing - a split nut squeezed by a grub screw. Mine certainly does and I don't remember there being a separate washer last time I dropped the rudder. I suspect it's because there isn't that much movement between the two and the rudder's weight is massively reduced when submerged (it's been suggested they actually float but I haven't tried that yet). I'll be down the boat today or tomorrow so I'll have a quick look for you.
On my 2005 Cruiser 39 there is a thin slice of PTFE, I'd say about 3mm thickness , that is placed on the stock before screwing in the retaining nut. I am sure this acts as a friction reducing bearing. Also Between the top of the rudder blade and the hull I have a spacer, 15 - 20mm thickness.
Having just dropped the rudder on my 40 Ocean, there were most definitely spacers at the top. The top nut sounds like what you described, with two plastic washers and finally a foam ring sitting on the top bearing ball. Photo attached.