Rudder Removal

robh wrote: Hi Interlude, I've had BH since new in 2003 and believe the rudder itself is made by Jefa as all the bits around it, bearings top mount etc have Jefa on them. I've had no issues with the system, apart from the "O" ring seal in the top cap that had split, which I think was due to outside intervention but Jefa sent me a couple of replacements FOC. To be honest I have had no issues with the boat apart from a couple of small manufacturing problems that were fixed in the first couple of months after delivery. I sailed a 342 a few weeks after they released it and from memory there was very little difference from the 341, both excellent boats. Good luck with getting your issues resolved.

My 311 was also built in 2003. The rudder is the same size as that detailed by Johan Hackman in a thread a few years ago & he has a 34. When I broke it I was shocked at how badly it was made inside & was certainly not a Jefa. The bearings etc - like yours- are Jefa. So perhaps you may not have a Jefa. Do you get water in the blade? I did because there was insufficient foam filling. I drilled a hole 150mm from the top & water ran out. A possible check would be to measure the trailing edge. My one was 50mm greater than my replacement Jefa


Edited by samuel - 31 March 2016 at 15:33

Hi,

I have just emailed my contact at Hanse UK on this, as the documentation and the logos suggest the rudder and all its fittings are Jefa. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier in this thread I had a problem with the "O" ring top seal and after contacting Jefa they sent me a couple of spares. I will also take a look more closely when I take the boat out of the water next week for a pressure wash and anode check to see if I can see anything that indicates the provenance of the rudder.

It could well be that everything including the stock was produced by Jefa and the blade fabricated on Jefa parts by someone else but will not prejudge this.

Once I get an answer I will post it on this thread.

Hi

Edited by H8jer - 02 April 2016 at 08:18

I have had a reply from Hanse UK and apparently ERMA made the whole rudder and Jefa made the bearings and other parts of the system such as top cover as ERMA never made the bearings.

Jefa have made their own moulds for the 341 and 342 Erma rudders, as ERMA went bust some years ago and these can be supplied by Hanse UK.

I hope this helps.

I can now report on performance, which is greatly improved.  Tacking angle is significantly better, and there is far more control when she is trying to round up in a gust.  I have seen such reports from other owners before, but seeing (or feeling) is believing.