I have a 1965 Cal Jensen with a loose fitting rudder shaft in the tube that runs from cockpit sole down thru hull.On hauling this boat out for repair what will I need to do to fix this? I wonder if there ever were bushings in the tube . If not what kind of remedy is there?Can some kind of material be installed in the tube to take up the wear or do I have to go with an oversize shaft?
Loose rudder
- Thread starter Tree Frog
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,522
Try this info... It gives you a basic understanding of rudders and the issues that can haunt them.
http://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/ask-sail/know-your-rudder/
I have a bearing on the top of my shaft with a zerk fitting where I can pump in grease to keep the system running smoothly.
http://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/ask-sail/know-your-rudder/
I have a bearing on the top of my shaft with a zerk fitting where I can pump in grease to keep the system running smoothly.
Thanks for that. I should have noted I have a Cal 25 that seems not to have zerks and maybe no bushings either,not sure what I will see when rudder is removed and I would like to know what it will take to fix it.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,522
This might be interesting info...
https://books.google.com/books?id=j...epage&q=cal 25 sailboat rudder design&f=false
It mentions Steve Seal. He runs a company in Alameda CA called Seal Spars and Rigging. Google his company for the phone number. Spoke with him about 2 weeks ago. He is a great resource regarding our Cal boats.
https://books.google.com/books?id=j...epage&q=cal 25 sailboat rudder design&f=false
It mentions Steve Seal. He runs a company in Alameda CA called Seal Spars and Rigging. Google his company for the phone number. Spoke with him about 2 weeks ago. He is a great resource regarding our Cal boats.
You can shim the rudder post, top and bottom, using stainless steel shims. These come in different thicknesses. For example, go to www.mcmaster.com and search for part number 2317K15. That particular shim is .005". You may need to experiment to see what size(s) you need, depending on how much slop there is.
Realize that the rudder post only bears on the top of the rudder tube (i.e., where it protrudes from the cockpit sole) as well as where it exits the hull on the bottom. So you would likely shim it in both spots. You'd cut a series of tabs bent 90-deg. to keep the shim from sliding up or down the tube, as the case may be. Grease the shims with some Teflon grease (e.g., Superlube) and you'll be good to do.