Bearings???

[ddatc2002]

I am haveing some trouble with my Thor Alfa. I am attempting to do the 1/8 brass bearings. Are they really needed??? My problem is first there is not much room to work with. Also on my rudders and dive planes there is not much extention into the hull from the rods to attach to the wheel collars. Do I really need these bearings in place?? They don't seem needed because the rudders and dive planes are set in the resin fins. Please tell me I can skip them cause it is really kicking my butt... I think it wont hurt anything cause once the fins are attached to the hull the rods will be sitting in the fins down through the hull. Thanks in advance..

Daniel

[silent runner]

I would recommend them. There

I would recommend them. There is more load and friction on the hull side that out on the planes. They can be a real PITA to install in narrow stern boats like yours, but the advantage of having them in the long run are worth the effort. Without them, the push/pull effect of the control horns will eventually cause binding as well as the possibility of a cracked hull.

Mike

[silent runner]

Photo of the stern bushings

Photo of the stern bushings in my Virginia Class SSN

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