Class 4 (4th Engineer) SC&S 📅 Dec 2025

Exam Question

(a) Sketch a semi balanced rudder of your choice showing: (10)

(i) A detail of the hinges or pintles about which rudder turns.

(ii) Details of the rudder carrier bearing, which supports the weight of the rudder stock and rudder.

(b) State advantages of semi balanced rudder over an unbalanced rudder. (6)

Reference Answer

### Part (a): Sketch and Details of a Semi-Balanced Rudder
A semi-balanced rudder has a portion of its blade area (typically 20-25%) located forward of the turning axis (centerline of the rudder stock). This design significantly reduces the torque required to turn the rudder.
The requested sketch should clearly illustrate the rudder blade, the rudder stock, the rudder horn (or stern frame), and the detailed arrangements of the pintles and the carrier bearing as described below.
#### (i) Detail of the Hinges or Pintles

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