Seafarer gudgeon

Posted By: Darrell
Date: 12/26/07 11:35a.m.

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I am in the process of having a new gudgeon made for my 78 Seafarer 30, and have a question. Is there a reason that the tube part, that goes around the rudder pintle, is usually made in two pieces. I would think that having a solid tube would allow a longer / better weld (inside and outside), and can't think of a reason why the opening (between the two original pieces) is required! Thoughts?? I may also make the whole unit a bit thicker, wider, and longer, as I don't see a downside to this either!! Comments appreciated!! Also, is there a bearing in the rudder tube, where the rudder post passed through the hull, and into the rudder post hose / stuffing box? Or, is the rudder just supported at the bottom (with the pintle / gudgeon) and the top, as it passes through the metal bracket, in the cockpit floor??