CHANGING RUDDER BEARING ON BENETEAU 57

[Robert Drew]

Hi all, have not used this forum before but need some urgent help. I need to change my rudder bearing but have been advised I need to make an access hole in the structure behind the transom steps to get to the gear. This concerns me regarding structural integrity and surely Beneteau must have a better solution, any help and/or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Best wishes Robert Drew

[Freshman]

On FB there is Beneteau 57 owners group. They share all the info

[Robert Drew]

Many thanks for your reply, but what is FB?

[Freshman]

Facebook

[Robert Drew]

I have never used FB but maybe this is the excuse to try
Many thanks
Robert Drew

[Freshman]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1268...466/?ref=share

[Pitchondesign]

How about calling Beneteau and finding out what they say?

[Redline452]

I wrote to Jeanneau for info about the rudder bearing on my SO45.2 and they sent a document with the installation procedure and plenty of photos (either it wasn't quite of the same assembly or was done before the deck was installed, but still answered my questions). They have pretty complete records on each boat, I'm sure Bene does as well.

[MikeDofFreo]

Originally Posted by Robert Drew

Many thanks for your reply, but what is FB?

Robert, your question proded me to remember a question that has always come into my head when looking at the specs of a Beneteau 57. They are always quoted as having a "balsa core rib band". I know that ribs are transverse stiffening members inside the hull but what is a "rib band"?

[RaymondR]

Although those European folks do some strange things I seriously doubt that Beneteau have designed the boat so that you have to cut holes in the transom to change the rudder stock bearing.

[Fbfisher]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

Although those European folks do some strange things I seriously doubt that Beneteau have designed the boat so that you have to cut holes in the transom to change the rudder stock bearing.

Agree. As a (not the original) Beneteau owner, I’ve found the service and parts team in Marion South Carolina very helpful. Save yourself a lot of hassle and just call them.