Marine | Boatyard

The Importance of Regular Rudder and Steering System Maintenance

WORDS: DEAN BURRELL

Hong Kong waters are notorious for marine growth on vessels – this growth loves living in and around your rudder bearing and can create havoc when left unattended.

Marine

t is important that rudders are cycled back and forth on a regular basis and the rudder is dropped once a year for inspection and cleaning. This is especially important on vessels that have roller bearings fitted to the rudder stock.

You will see in the images the extent of damage caused when a bearing is left un-serviced. In this case the rollers and sheave had welded themselves together through electrolysis and marine growth. When the boat was used again the rudder tube twisted so much that the fiber glass cracked. Had the bearing sheave not come away from the stock, the rudder tube could have broken out of the hull which may have resulted in the vessel sinking. Covid-19 restrictions, people spending more time abroad and the lack of racing has meant that boats have been left unattended and maintenance schedules have not been followed. With the talk of easing restrictions and the prospect of racing beginning again in April it would be prudent to have your vessel servicing completed early to avoid unnecessary gear failure.

Remember that I am available at Shelter Cove on the first Saturday of each month for vessel inspection and/or advice, and at Middle Island by appointment. Call the Boatyard team on 2832 2817 to make an appointment for all your service requirements.

The Boatyard team and I look forward to assisting you, and wish you all the best of luck for the up-coming race season.