Superstition

Sailors are a superstitious lot and we are no exception. When I thought about writing this post regarding solving a problem, I hesitated. I worried that writing about it may make the problem come back. I am ignoring those worries and writing about it anyway. 

For a few years we have had a problem with an intermittent knocking noise in the steering system when sailing in following seas. George tried everything he could think of to solve the problem but it persisted. The only thing left to try was drop the rudder and inspect it, the rudder post, and the rudder bearing. It is a big job but we decided it was worth the effort just in case the noise was a symptom of a problem with the rudder. 

George decided to have the job done last August when the boat was hauled out for its annual coat of bottom paint. While the boat was high in the travel lift the staff at our boat yard, Generation III, worked to release and drop the rudder. It is not always an easy job but they got it done. 

Fortunately, everything looked good with the rudder and rudder post. The rudder bearing, though, had what looked like a fine horizontal crack. The crack was so fine we weren’t even sure it was a crack. We decided to replace it since everything was already taken apart. 

The good news—and this is the part I hesitate to say—is that we no longer hear the knocking noise. In fact, I had forgotten all about it until George mentioned it the other day. Of course, if the noise comes back it will be my own fault for writing about it. 

Hole in the hull through which the rudder post goes. The bearing has not yet been removed. 

Closer view of bearing. The black tubes act as rollers allowing the rudder post to rotate without friction. 

Rudder and rudder post. 

Bearing after it has been removed. You can see the fine crack near the top edge of the bulbous part. 

Inside of bearing.