Retrofit new rudder

[1brhoads]

I've just purchased a new rudder for an older 19' ODay. The original kick up assembly is in fairly good shape, but the old rudder had been chewed up by the prop by a previous owner. The new rudder I ordered from D&R Marine is smaller in width than the old rudder. How should I shim the new rudder to fit within the metal cheeks of the old tiller assembly? Do I fabricate wooden shims on each side? Metal shims? What type of wood?

 

[kenn]

How much shimming is required - 1/8" each side? More?

 

[Gunni]

Don't use wood if you want the rudder to move, wood swells and binds. Last time I did some rudder shimming I found sheet teflon and cut it to fit the application. Delrin and Nylon are both cheaper alternatives.

 

[1brhoads]

How much shimming is required - 1/8" each side? More?

Yes, it's more than 1/8 in. Probably about 1/4.

 

[Paul Brinkley]

Go to WalMart & buy a cheap plastic cutting board of the right thickness, and cut your shims out of it. No rust, no swelling, no painting, & cheap! -Paul

 

[1brhoads]

Go to WalMart & buy a cheap plastic cutting board of the right thickness, and cut your shims out of it. No rust, no swelling, no painting, & cheap! -Paul

Perfect! Functional, original and affordable.

Thank you so much.

 

[kenn]

Paul nailed it.