Rudder Port Bearings & Seals

To determine which part to order, measure the exact diameter of the rudder stock (.000″) and the O.D. of the bronze rudder port to which the unit will be connected. Note your combination of rudder stock diameter and rudder port O.D. in the table on the Imperial or Metric size page. Confirm that there is sufficient space to accommodate the flange height and the barrel height plus 1″ of space between the Type I unit and the rudder port. Finally, confirm that there is clearance for the O.D. of the Type I assembly.

RPB Type I Imperial Sizes

Specifications (dimensions in inches)

Select RPB Type I Imperial Sizes 11 1/41 3/81 1/21 3/422 1/42 1/22 3/433 1/43 1/23 3/444 1/255 1/45 1/2

Tides Marine offers many custom sizes and dimensions. Please call for any size or dimension you do not see here.

RPB Type I Metric Sizes
Specifications (dimensions in millimeters)

Tides Marine offers many custom sizes and dimensions. Please call for any size or dimension you do not see here.

RPB-I Installation Guide

The following is a description of the installation procedures associated with the RPB Type-I rudder seal. Installation instructions are included with each unit and should be followed closely.

1. Inspect that area of the rudder stock where the lip seal will rest and confirm that there is clean, smooth stock available to accept the lip seal.
2. Block the rudder into position and disconnect the steering arm and rudder collar.
3. Remove the blocking and carefully lower the rudder so that the rudder stock is beneath the upper rudder bearing. Confirm that there is sufficient clearance between the end of the stock and the underside of the shelf to add the Type-I assembly, the hose and hose clamps.
4. Remove the old stuffing box, hose and clamps.
5. Inspect the upper end of the rudder stock. Remove any burrs, nicks or sharp edges which might damage the lip seal during installation or operation.
6. Insert the red installation hat all the way into the top of the Type-I to cover the thin sealing edge of the lip seal.
7. Determine the length of hose needed to complete the installation and cut squarely to length. Note: There should be no less than 1″ of space between the bottom of the unit and the top of the existing rudder after the Type-I is installed.
8. Connect the hose to the Type-I assembly and add two hose clamps.
9. Slide the rudder stock up through the port. Place the remaining two hose clamps onto the barrel of the port.
10. Slide the assembly down the stock and over the rudder port. Secure with hose clamps.
11. Jack the rudder back into position (passing through the upper rudder bearing) and block in place.
12. Reconnect the steering arm and rudder collar.

Note: Before installing the rudder, insert the red installation hat into the lip seal. When rudder is in place, remove, invert and replace it on top of the Type-I unit to keep debris off the lip seal during use.

Complete Type-I Installation Guide may be downloaded HERE