Gudgeon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the freshwater fish, see gudgeon (fish).
In general, a gudgeon is a circular fitting, often made of metal, which is fixed onto some surface. It allows for the pivoting of another fixture. It is generally used with a pintle, which is a male type of hinge pin which pivots in the hole in the gudgeon. As such, a gudgeon is a simple bearing.
In sailing, gudgeons nest in pintles and are either affixed to the transom of the boat or to the rudder. They are used to attach the rudder to the boat so that it can swing freely. The corresponding fitting on the rudder slides or clips into place. The rudder can then be turned with the tiller.
