After purchasing 116 in March, before I sailed the boat I decided to remove the rudder from the boat. I did this because the rudder felt really tight and not totally free to turn. Basically, I was affraid the tiller would not be that sensative to feel the boat. Once I removed the rudder from the boat I inspected and cleaned the shaft as well as the derlin top and bottom bearings. I reinstalled the rudder and did so by introducing a good water capable grease to the shaft. After sailing the boat for the first time I was ammazed still at how tight the rudder felt in the boat although there was some improvment. My question is this: Do all E27's have 'tight' rudder shafts? Have people rectified the problem with some solution and what is the solution. Has anyone ever installed Harken or Edison rudder bearings?

Thanks for the info.