Rudder Seal Type I
Product Overview
Tides Marine TYPE-I Rudder Seals are retrofit units which are used with existing bronze port bearings. Consisting of a one-piece UHMW plastic housing with nitrile lip seal, they were developed to replace the flax-packing and sealing nut assembly. They are connected to the bearing by a flexible hose which keeps the nitrile lip seal in alignment with the rudder stock.
The TYPE-I will minimally increase the overall height of the port assembly but is 100% watertight and maintenance free. Performance improvements include quieter, easier and smoother steering.
Included with each unit is a protective cone to prevent damage to the lip seal during installation. A pre-cut length of the soft wall hose (purchased separately) must be used with each TYPE-I Rudder Seal for warranty coverage to apply.
Product Installation
Note: 
Before installing the rudder, insert the red seal protector into
the lip seal. When the rudder is in place. remove it, invert and
replace on top of the unit to keep debris off the lip seal during use.
The following is a brief description of what is involved when replacing a conventional flax packing assembly with a TYPE-I unit. Complete installation instructions are included with each part and should be followed closely.
- Inspect the rudder stock in the area where the lip seal will rest and confirm that there is clean, smooth shaft available. Note: There should be no less than 1" of space between the bottom of the unit and top of the rudder port inside the flexible hose after installation.
- Block up the rudder and disconnect the steering arm and rudder collar.
- Remove blocking and carefully lower the rudder so that the stock is free of the upper rudder bearing and there is sufficient clearance between the end of the shaft and underside of shelf to add the hose clamps, hose and TYPE-I unit.
- Remove the packing nut (and backing nut, if present). Remove flax packing from the rudder port.
- Inspect the upper end of the stock and remove any burrs, nicks or sharp edges which might damage the lip seal during installation or use.
- Insert the red seal protector all the way into the lip seal to cover the thin sealing edge.
- Determine the length of hose needed for connection and cut squarely to length.
- Connect the hose to the TYPE-I unit and add two hose clamps.
- Slide the stock up through the port. Place the remaining two hose clamps onto the port.
- Slide the assembly down the stock and over the rudder port. Secure with hose clamps.
- Jack rudder back into position (passing through the upper rudder bearing) and block in place.
- Reconnect the steering arm and rudder collar.
Before Ordering
To determine which part to order, measure the diameter of the rudder stock "A"(.000 in.) and the O.D. of the rudder port to which the unit will be connected "B". Next confirm that there is sufficient space to accommodate both the flange height "C" and barrel height "D". You should maintain at least 1 inch of space between the bottom end of the unit and the top of the rudder port. Finally, confirm that there is clearance for the diameter "E". Minimum hose diameters are listed below. If your rudder port requires a larger hose size, a special part will be made for you.
SPECIFICATIONS (dimensions in inches)
| RUDDER STOCK SIZE | MINIMUM HOSE ID | FLANGE HT. | BARREL HT. | DIA | PART NUMBER |
| A | B | C | D | E | |
| 1" | 1 3/4" | 1 1/2" | 1 1/2" | 2 1/2" | RPB-I-1000- (Hose ID) |
| 1 1/4" | 2" | 1 1/2" | 2" | 3" | RPB-I-1250-(Hose ID) |
| 1 1/2" | 2 1/4" | 1 1/2" | 2" | 4" | RPB-I-1500- (Hose ID) |
| 1 3/4" | 2 1/2" | 2" | 2" | 4" | RPB-I-1750-(Hose ID) |
| 2" | 3" | 2" | 2" | 4" | RPB-I-2000- (Hose ID) |
| 2 1/4" | 3" | 2" | 2" | 4 1/2" | RPB-I-2250-(Hose ID) |
| 2 1/2" | 3 1/4" | 2" | 2" | 4 1/2" | RPB-I-2500- (Hose ID) |
| 2 3/4" | 3 1/2" | 2 1/2" | 2" | 5" | RPB-I-2750-(Hose ID) |
| 3" | 4" | 2 1/2" | 2 1/2" | 5" | RPB-I-3000- (Hose ID) |
Contact us for more information on the Rudder Seal - I
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Tides Marine 3251 SW 13th Dr. Suite A Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442
Tel: (800) 420-0949 Tel: (954) 420-0949 Fax: (954) 420-0945
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