I have the Tartan 3800 "Wind Dancer". The longtime original owner in Marina Del Rey, Bill Solberg called it "The Remarkable Number 9"!
Tim Jacket has told me the fitting I found at the base of the rudder post housing is a set screw that holds the lower bearing in place. It is not a grease fitting. It was made from a machine screw with a lock nut on it. This has deteriorated, loose, and is dripping while underway. At rest it seems the fitting may be above the static waterline. I would like to seal it better until getting it replaced at the haul out in October, but I am leery about pulling it out, or disturbing it with the boat in the water. Tim suggested getting two people to stand on the bow while the repair is made!
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?
I forgot to ask if the set screw holds the bearing from falling down, or from rotating.
best regards,
Chris McMuldroch
Shilshole Bay Marina, Seattle