VETUS Boat Rudder – SS316, 400 × 400 mm (RUDS4040) is a complete marine rudder assembly designed for use within a boat steering system. It uses a stainless steel AISI 316 blade and rudder stock, making it suitable for the demanding conditions commonly encountered in marine installations. The rudder blade measures 400 mm high by 400 mm wide, while the rudder shaft has a diameter of 40 mm. These confirmed dimensions help boat owners, marine engineers and boatbuilders assess whether the unit is appropriate for a particular hull and steering arrangement.

The sides of the stainless steel rudder blade are polished during manufacture and require no additional surface finishing before installation. This provides a clean, ready-to-install appearance while reducing the preparation normally required for an unfinished rudder blade. AISI 316 stainless steel is widely used in marine equipment because it is suitable for components exposed to water and demanding onboard environments. Correct installation and ongoing inspection remain important for every underwater steering component.

The RUDS4040 is supplied complete with a rudder arm. A compatible VETUS hydraulic steering cylinder can be connected to this arm as part of the vessel’s steering system. The included arm simplifies component planning by providing the connection point needed to transfer movement from the steering cylinder to the rudder stock. Before installation, the rudder dimensions, shaft diameter, available internal clearance, and steering-cylinder geometry should be checked against the boat’s technical requirements.

A practical feature of the stainless steel rudder stock is its dedicated hole for fitting an emergency tiller. This allows the vessel’s steering arrangement to incorporate an emergency steering provision when configured correctly. A VETUS HENKO-type rudder gland may also be used with the installation, but the gland is not included and must be obtained separately. The correct gland and associated installation components should be selected according to the hull construction, shaft arrangement and guidance provided by the boat designer or qualified marine installer.

This VETUS rudder can be considered for new boat construction, replacement projects and steering-system refits where a 400 × 400 mm rudder blade and 40 mm shaft match the vessel’s engineering specifications. It is particularly relevant for installations using a compatible VETUS hydraulic steering cylinder. However, rudder selection should not be based on dimensions alone. Hull shape, vessel displacement, operating speed, steering loads, rudder position, and the complete steering geometry must be evaluated before purchase.

For buyers searching for a marine rudder, boat rudder, stainless steel rudder, or VETUS rudder for a hydraulic boat steering system, model RUDS4040 offers clearly defined dimensions and essential installation features. Its polished AISI 316 blade, included rudder arm, and emergency-tiller provision make it a practical component for a properly designed marine steering installation. The official VETUS listing confirms model RUDS4040, its 400 mm height, 400 mm width, and 40 mm shaft diameter.

Key Features:

• VETUS Boat Rudder – SS316, 400 × 400 mm (RUDS4040) combines a polished stainless steel blade, 40 mm rudder shaft, and supplied rudder arm in one marine steering component.
• Manufactured with an AISI 316 stainless steel rudder blade for marine use.
• Blade dimensions are 400 mm high by 400 mm wide.
• The stainless steel rudder shaft has a confirmed diameter of 40 mm.
• Both sides of the blade are polished and need no additional finishing.
• Supplied complete with a rudder arm for connection to a suitable steering arrangement.
• The rudder arm can be connected to a compatible VETUS hydraulic steering cylinder.
• The rudder stock incorporates a hole that facilitates fitting an emergency tiller.
• A VETUS HENKO-type rudder gland is available separately and is not included with the rudder.
• Suitable for new installations or replacement projects when its dimensions and steering geometry match the vessel’s requirements.
• Model number RUDS4040 allows accurate identification when ordering the rudder or planning related steering components.

Applications / Suitable For:

• VETUS Boat Rudder – SS316, 400 × 400 mm (RUDS4040) is suitable for boat steering installations requiring a 400 × 400 mm rudder blade with a 40 mm shaft.
• Marine steering systems designed to operate with an appropriate VETUS hydraulic steering cylinder.
• New boat construction where the hull, rudder position and steering geometry have been designed for these dimensions.
• Replacement of an existing boat rudder when the original measurements and installation requirements correspond with the RUDS4040.
• Boat refit and steering-system upgrade projects requiring a complete rudder with an included rudder arm.
• Installations that incorporate an emergency tiller as part of the vessel’s emergency steering arrangement.
• Professional boatyards, marine workshops and boatbuilders selecting a stainless steel rudder by model, blade size and shaft diameter.

FAQs:

Q: What are the dimensions of the VETUS RUDS4040 rudder?
A: The blade is 400 mm high and 400 mm wide, and the rudder shaft diameter is 40 mm.

Q: Is the rudder arm included?
A: Yes. The VETUS Boat Rudder – SS316, 400 × 400 mm (RUDS4040) is supplied complete with a rudder arm that can connect to a compatible VETUS hydraulic steering cylinder.

Q: Does this stainless steel rudder require additional finishing?
A: No. The sides of the AISI 316 stainless steel blade are polished and require no additional finishing.

Q: Are the rudder gland and emergency tiller included?
A: No. A HENKO-type rudder gland may be purchased separately, while the rudder stock includes a hole to facilitate fitting a suitable emergency tiller.