I posted this message in June of 2105:

"Giles Combrisson of GC Rigging and Composites in Point Richmond, 415-533-2915, [email protected] Made two ruder bearings for me. I used a new digital caliper to measure inside and outside diameters. Top: 1.748 inch diameter on rudder shaft Bottom: 1.997 inches diameter on rudder shaft Outer diameter of both bearings: 2.382 inches Height both bearings: 3 inches.

Recommend measuring for your boat.

Gilles made the bearings and shipped by mail.

The outer measurements were perfect. The inner measurements were to tight which turned out to be good. Used 220 sand paper wrapped around a dowel to make a perfect fit. Not hard to make opening larger. No way to make smaller.

In the rudder shaft hole the existing bearings extend slightly past the inner tube. On the bottom bearing I used a 4 foot steel rod I bought at Orchard and it caught enough of the bearing that I could drive it out from the top.

Top bearing would not drive out. Tried several methods and a small sledge hammer.

Bought a small 1/4 inch chisel and chiseled a section of the bearing about half way down and it became loose and pulled right out.

New bearings fit in with slight amount of pressure. Used a wood block and hammer. After the bearings were in place the inner diameter of each bearing required some additional sanding to fit the rudder shaft but it makes a perfect fit"

Giles is in your area and did a great job. He did not require more than one set to be built

Garry Owens.

:: Good to know Brendan. My do not spin but are original.
:: Sounds like there shouldn't be an issue then.
::
:: I am in for a set then as well.
::
:: :: The e27 "bearings" are simple bushings made from plastic
:: :: (delrin or similar). Any machinist can make them for you
:: :: if you supply ID, OD, and length. I know that KKMI has
:: :: made some for e27s...
:: ::
:: :: Buzz's bushings should work fine (if he will make
:: :: them)--he will cut them with a C&C lathe to the original
:: :: dimensions. You may need to trim length (sand or cut
:: :: with bandsaw)
:: ::
:: :: Even if your hull had a "spinner" in the past thus
:: :: enlarging the hole for them, you should still be OK, as
:: :: bushings should be glued (ie: vinylester) into the hull.
:: ::

:: :: --brendan

:: ::
:: :: Hi Everyone,
:: :: ::
:: :: :: I could be in as well but my understanding is that it is
:: :: :: really something that needs to be custom done to get a
:: :: :: really tight fit. Has anyone used a generic bearing like
:: :: :: the one Buzz makes?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Also, don't get me wrong I know Buzz is an icon in the
:: :: :: Express fleet, I have just heard some other information
:: :: :: and thought I should bring it up. Curious to hear what
:: :: :: others have to say.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Jason
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I am in need as well. Looks like we need 2 more.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Darrel
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: ALTERNATE REALITY #19
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: I need to do rudder bearings. I called Ballenger and
:: :: :: :: :: they do not currently have any and would not be building
:: :: :: :: :: them unless there was an order of 5. They are $145 for
:: :: :: :: :: the set. Anyone need/interested?
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: If not, has anyone had a shop make them up recently? If
:: :: :: :: :: so where?
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Thanks, Adam
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: #38 Yeti