Rudder Port Bearings & Seals

Please provide Tides with the exact rudder stock diameter (.000″) you have decided to use and the length of the tube you require. Tube length can be determined by calculating the distance from the bottom of the hull, through the rudder shelf to that point above the rudder shelf which you have determined is optimal for installing other steering system components (rudder collars, steering arms, etc.).

If you provide Tides with drawings of your installation, Tides will recommend one or more solutions for your installation.

Rudder Tube System consist of an Upper and Lower Bearing, 2 Lip Seals and a Washer on the top.
Rudder Tube Systems are Custom Made and are Not kept in Inventory

Rudder Tube Systems
(dimensions are in inches except Rudder Stock OD – Height includes Washer)

Tides Marine offers many custom sizes and dimensions. Please call for any size or dimension you do not see here.

Rudder Tube System Installation Guide

The following is a description of the installation procedures associated with a “Type One” installation. Installation instructions are included with each Tube System and should be followed closely.

Mold Modification

1. Locate the exact position of the rudder stock center on the mold surface.
2. Carefully drill a hole perpendicular to the mold surface large enough for the plug bolt and bushing.

Installation

1. Prepare the tube for lay-up by roughing up the outer diameter surfaces with a grinder and wipe clean with thinner.
2. Mask the top of the assembly to protect it from over­spray I excess resin.
3. Locate the assembly against the mold surface and bolt in place through the hole in the mold using the “plugs” provided by Tides.

Lay-Up Procedures

1. Begin the hull lay-up in the normal manner.
2. Cut an X in the cloth above the liner so that it can be laid down and around the base of the FRP tube with tabs against the outer wall of the tube.
3. On subsequent layers, stagger the position of the X cuts so the tabs overlay each other.
4. Taper the lay-up to at least 1″ above the top of the lower bearing. Lay-up should radiate out away from the tube to at least 2 times the tube outside diameter.
5. REMOVE THE LOWER PLUG AND BOLT. Leave the upper plug in place until it is time to install the rudder.
6. When the rudder shelf is constructed, it should con­tain a hole through which the top of the FRP tube will pass. Once the shelf is in place, the upper end of the FRP tube is attached to the shelf using a lay-up procedure similar to the technique used during initial lay-up (staggered overlapping tabs throughout the lamination). Care should be taken to prevent excess resin and cloth from covering or entering the upper plug or tube insert.

CONTACT TIDES FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Before installing the rudder, remove the upper re-usable plug and insert the red installation hat into the top of the tube. Confirm that it is protecting the “lip” portion of the seal. After installation, remove the red installation hat and discard.

Complete Rudder Tube System Installation Guide may be downloaded HERE