Can someone help me name this steering bolt?

[SV Confianza]

Was sailing off Hatteras a month ago with a 30ft following sea. Hand steering not even possible with how much force the waves were putting on the rudders. And I bent the eye bolt on the end of the tie bar between the rudders.

I’m having the hardest time trying to figure out what it’s called so that I can find a replacement. We’re holed up in Daytona at the moment until I fix it.

Appreciate the help guys!

[rbk]

Originally Posted by SV Confianza

Was sailing off Hatteras a month ago with a 30ft following sea. Hand steering not even possible with how much force the waves were putting on the rudders. And I bent the eye bolt on the end of the tie bar between the rudders.

I’m having the hardest time trying to figure out what it’s called so that I can find a replacement. We’re holed up in Daytona at the moment until I fix it.

Appreciate the help guys!

Tie rod end

[SailingHarmonie]

Why not just ask Privilege? Don't they have some kind of after-sale support?

[Bellinghamster]

It's called a Heim joint, or Heim joint rod end. Should be available from bearing suppliers or industrial supply shops, or mail order from Grainger, etc.

[Jeannius]

They must have been pretty horrible conditions. Didn't suffer that failure in over 40k nm aboard my P435.

[leecea]

Examples: https://www.mcmaster.com/rod-ends/

Not sure where to look if they need to be marine specific.

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by leecea

Examples: https://www.mcmaster.com/rod-ends/



Not sure where to look if they need to be marine specific.

May want to talk with a hydraulic steering ram builder such as Seastar/Hynautic in US. These fittings are used on ram ends to connect to rudder tiller arm

[SV Confianza]

Thank you guys for all the help much appreciated. Will follow these leads.

[maine50]

If using McMaster- you have choice of materials including ss 304, 316 etc also metric or US.

[Bellinghamster]

Also, that type of bend is likely due to the tie rod hitting something that forced it sideways. Possibly the tie rod hitting the rudder post at full-extreme steer (or beyond if a wave slammed the rudder). Check clearance/interference between the tie rod and the rudder post and other structures at the full-throw extremes and adjust or install stop blocks accordingly.

[SV Confianza]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I thought I was going to have to fight with it to get it out, but it actually came out quite easily (with some PB Blaster coaxing).

Ordered new ones from McMaster - https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/1381/2458K446

I also didn't realize that this was a part that is supposed to be lubricated. Trying out the lubrication-free kind this time around.

@SailingHarmonie Privilege has not been that helpful in the past. They've changed hands a few times since the P435 was made, and they lost most of the info about this boat.

@Bellinghamster I did check the clearance, and there's plenty. I think the failure happened from just sheer force on the rudders from a heavy following sea.

@Jeannius yeah it was a bit scary honestly. We ventured too far toward the Gulf Stream with a north wind, and the waves picked up immensely, with tall breaking peaks. Even had trouble staying on course after the turn for fear of being flipped broadside. 0/10 would not recommend.

@Everyone who helped me name it and find it, thank you!

Thanks again for the help.