Last weekend's project was to replace the OEM 1/2" gudgeons with CD's retrofit 1/2" kit with the stainless ferrule and Delrin bushing. Thanks to the many previous threads on this, I "kinda" knew what to expect and I'm happy to report that I apparently have the brass backing plate on the upper gudgeon as well as lower. This isn't visually verified on the upper since, I didn't install an inspection port but when the bolts were replaced they easily found thread exactly where it was expected to be. On the bottom gudgeon, I do have the brass backing plate but only the port bolt was locked down with a nylock nut so, I replaced the bolts with longer 2" length bolts so that all three could be nylocked during install.
The Ruddercraft rudder took longer to unpack than to hang. Those guys sure don't skimp on the packaging for transport! I do have a question on the Mast Crutch. Do those of you that use the Ruddercraft Mast Crutch keep the bottom crutch bracket attached while sailing? Ruddercraft provided a butterfly nut for attachment and I think that removing the bottom bracket will need to be part of the routine once the mast is stepped and the crutch is removed.
George
The Ruddercraft rudder took longer to unpack than to hang. Those guys sure don't skimp on the packaging for transport! I do have a question on the Mast Crutch. Do those of you that use the Ruddercraft Mast Crutch keep the bottom crutch bracket attached while sailing? Ruddercraft provided a butterfly nut for attachment and I think that removing the bottom bracket will need to be part of the routine once the mast is stepped and the crutch is removed.
George
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