[Goodnewsboy]

A stock of a true spade rudder is installed inside a tube that passes through the hull and it may extend up through the cockpit sole or deck, or it may be built in two sections so that the rudder shaft is exposed below deck for installation of a steering quadrant. This tube is the major structural element that supports the rudder. It is absolutely essential that it be solidly supported at all points and that its wall thickness not be compromised in any way. It must resist all of the loads that are transferred to the hull by the action of the rudder.


Once the rudder stock (shaft) is in place inside the tube, it must be retained, usually by a thrust bearing and collar that is applied at the top of the stock so that the rudder will not fall out of the boat. Usually, lubrication is applied both at the thrust bearing and between the rudder stock and the interior wall of the tube.