Re: rudder bearing maintenence

[Odysseus]

One year on and I have taken better photos of the maintenance proceedure I do before lifting the boat out of the water.As I said the oil lies on top of the water untill the boat is lifted then the oil is transfered all around the bearing. By moving the rudder back and forth will ensure a good coverage.
The last photo shows the oil coming out of the rudder stock.

Hope this helps.
Odysseus
Bav 38

[Ripster]

I really like the idea of this and it seems to make every sense in terms on maintaining the bearing and reducing any friction and thus wear. 

Is there any chance that the oil might attack the bearing material in some way, being that its designed to run just in water?  How many years have you been doing this and how much (and which type of) oil do you put through each time?

Thanks.

[Odysseus]

It will be 4 years this year I have been doing it, I have not had any adverse affects that I can see, I use engine oil about 1/3rd of a small cup.

If you think through the issues it is probably the drying out of the salt water on the bearing face when lifted out that generate crystals  of salt adding to  the friction.

All I can say is it works for me.

Odysseus
Bav 38