A 25 mm stainless washer (see photo) is slipped on to the axle before the stock is attached. This prevents the bottom of the rudder stock grinding away the softer bronze of the upper rudder guide when the rudder is deployed.

The photograph also shows how the stock attaches to the rudder axle. To prevent the stock from ever parting company with the axle, a 10 mm diameter hole of about 10 mm depth has been drilled into the axle. Note that this hole must be parallel with the axis of the rudder with the opening facing forward (towards the front of the boat).

To fit the stainless stock, it is eased on to the top of the rudder axle until the securing bolt hole lines up with the underlying hole drilled into the galvanised axle. If necessary, place a piece of wood on top of the stock (to protect it), and gently tap it (by hitting the wood) into place with a small hammer. The securing bolt can then screwed in until it has penetrated into the underlying hole in the axle. This ensures you will never have to worry about the two parting company! Finally, the other bolt clamping the two cheeks of the stainless rudder stock (not visible in the photograph), can be tightened using an Allen Key. The red stuff is anti-rust primer which has been painted on to prevent rusting of the top of the axle inside the stainless stock.

(Click on image for larger view)