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

Exam Question

(a) Sketch a semi balanced rudder 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 rudderstock and rudder

(b) State advantages of semi balanced rudder over an unbalanced rudder (3)

(c) What acts as "rudder stops"? What is their purpose and at what angle from mid position would you expect the rudder stops to be set (3)

Reference Answer

### (a) Sketch and Details of a Semi-Balanced Rudder
A semi-balanced rudder is a design where a portion of the rudder's surface area (typically 20-40%) is positioned forward of the axis of rotation (the rudderstock). This forward portion counteracts the hydrodynamic forces on the aft portion, thereby reducing the torque required to turn the rudder.
**(i) Detail of Hinges (Pintles and Gudgeons)**
The rudder is connected to the ship's stern structure (stern frame or skeg) via a set of hinges that allow it to pivot. These hinges consist of pintles and gudgeons.

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