Heel Pintle – additional lower bearing support for improved durability

The rudder’s bearing arrangement is subjected to significant forces during operation. On small and medium-sized vessels, where the rudder often operates under high loads and in confined waters, an additional bearing support can improve both the structural stability and service life of the rudder. Heel Pintle is a design option from Becker Marine Systems that provides the rudder with an additional bearing support at its lower edge. By relieving stress on the rudder stock and distributing the mechanical loads across multiple bearing points, a robust and reliable design is created with lower stress on both the rudder stock and the bearings. This solution is primarily used on vessels where high operational reliability, long service life, and low lifecycle costs are prioritized, while the vessel’s size and installation space make an additional bearing support a suitable design solution. Heel Pintle is used on Becker Flaproder in both new construction and retrofit projects.

How does Heel Pintle work?

In a traditional cantilever rudder, the hydrodynamic forces are absorbed through the rudder stock and the upper rudder bearings. When the rudder is loaded, bending moments occur that affect both the bearings and the surrounding ship structure. With the Heel Pintle, the rudder is supplemented with an additional bearing support at the lower edge. This additional bearing point absorbs part of the load and reduces the forces that would otherwise be transferred to the rudder stock and the upper bearings. The result is a more even load distribution, greater structural stiffness, and reduced wear over time.

When is Heel Pintle appropriate?

Heel Pintle is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized vessels where high rudder forces are combined with requirements for high operational reliability and long service life. The solution is often used on:

• Tugboats
• Fishing vessels
• Workboats
• Coastal vessels
• Small offshore vessels
• Other vessels where the rudder is subjected to high loads relative to its dimensions

The Heel Pintle is selected when the designer wants to increase the rudder’s structural stiffness and reduce the load on the rudder stock, bearings, and seals without altering the rudder’s hydrodynamic properties. The result is a more robust design with lower maintenance requirements and a longer service life.

Advantages of the Heel Pintle

• Provides additional bearing support at the lower edge of the rudder.
• Reduces the load on the rudder stock and rudder bearings.
• Provides a more even load distribution.
• Increases the structural rigidity of the design.
• Reduces wear on bearings and seals.
• Contributes to a longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements.
• Improves operational reliability throughout the vessel’s service life.