Rainer L

Hi Karin, take a look at: https://www.jefa.com/ftp/rudder/conversion/YW_Ruderlager%20tauschen.pdf There you will find the instructions I followed. However, as I didn't install a self-aligning bearing, the rudder with shaft and "loose rudder bearing" had to be adjusted in the fuselage for installation. This was done with small wedges between the fuselage hole and the bearing. The rudder had to be positioned with a support on the floor beforehand. Your boat builder will know how to do it anyway. Best regards, Rainer

Hi Karin, I replaced the entire bearing. On my boat, the bearing sleeve already had a few "dents" due to worn rollers and therefore a lot of play, so it was no longer cylindrical. The bearing replacement was therefore quite time-consuming. But it was worth it. best regards, Rainer

Hi Matthias, I bought the lower rudder bearing (Jefa) from Kohlhoff - service and advice were great (https://www.kohlhoff-online.de/brands/jefa). The upper rudder bearing is just a simple plastic plain bearing. I had this rebuilt by a local company. best regards, Rainer

Hi Luc, I fitted my ETAP 30 i with a Flexofold 2 blade folding propeller 10 years ago. Compared to the previously installed two-blade fixed pitch propeller, the speed under sail has improved significantly. The vibrations at the tiller under sail have also been reduced. So for me, a folding propeller is the first choice. Best regards from Schwerin, Rainer

Good morning Matthias, I have owned the same boat for 10 years (built in 2004) with the same equipment. The problem described seems to be typical for an Etap 30i. I took over the boat from the previous owner. Over the years, the vibrations have become more and more pronounced, so I changed the lower rudder bearing (myself) in the spring. The play was now approx. 2 mm and was therefore no longer acceptable. I had already replaced the upper rudder bearing the year before. Even though the play is now "0", the vibrations have not completely disappeared but are still acceptable. I sailed the boat a lot again in 2025, as I do every year (1/4 year in Scandinavia with lots of wind and waves, then many day trips on the German Baltic coast) and am very satisfied with the rudder play/ barely noticeable vibrations. Maybe try tightening the large Allen screw that connects the tiller to the rudder stock... Good luck, best regards from Schwerin, Rainer