Same problems during my experience with Prindle 18 (about 2 years). Original rudder is far from 'sailor friendly' rudder, I would also add problems with windward rudder blade raising on fair wind. For trailing, like it was mentioned before, we removed retaining ring from the top, then pintle .. and packed everything up on trampoline. Not so time consuming.
It is very important to prevent corrosion and oxidation by keeping pintle lubricated with oil.