Rudder post, help me figure out how this works

[hd002e]

Hello,

I have a 1988 Beneteau First 305 and I want to understand how the rudder works (so I can service it).

Is there a seal (like the stuffing box) that the rudder shaft passes through? The cube on top is badly rusted but I can’t figure out how to take it apart to get a replacement made.

Here are some photos...

[gamayun]

I would think there are zirc fittings on the cube and at the base where you can attach a grease gun and get some grease in there. I once saw a boat yard put a flame to the metal and pounded on it a while to get the rudder post to come loose. That seems a bit extreme and dangerous but it worked....eventually.

[hd002e]

Hi Gamayun, I do not see a grease fitting, but I also dont know what the vertical screw on top does. I am puzzled by this thing and don’t really know how to approach it.

[deblen]

The black block cube looks similar to the tiller attachment on my Danish boat.
If it is the same principle as mine,you have to remove the 8 mm thru bolt,as the bolt passes thru a notch in the rudder stock.

The little screw on the top is used to set the height of the tiller arm for comfortable steering.
The 8mm thru bolt is what you attach your tiller to & it allows my tiller to be stood up vertical to get it out of the way when wheel steering.

Len