Recently picked up a neglected 1977 Hunter 27 with shoal draft keel. The boat has been on the hard for the last 3 years, so there is lots to do! The rudder has lots of play in it so looks like all the bushings need replacing. I also notice a slight tweak to port of the rudder itself, Not sure if the shaft is bent, or just because the bushings are worn so bad.. Can't find any info anywhere on what was used for the bearings/bushings. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Al
1977 Hunter 27 Rudder Bushing/Bearing info
- Thread starter Mobius
- Start date
Congratulations on your new sailboat!!
Suggest getting a marine and/or boatyard mechanic inspection to get a second opinion.
Rudder bearings: start by removing the rudder, then the bearings. Inspect the bearings, measure the rudder post (stock) and opening in the hull and purchase new ones and replace. This article may be helpful: How to replace rudder bearings - boats.com.
Shaft: take a piece of stiff wire (like an undone coathanger) and clamp it to the lower unit somewhere ( like the skeg) bend it up to just touch the very edge of the propshaft. (with the engine in neutral and off of course, spin the prop by hand and note if there is a change in distance from the end of the wire to the edge of the prop shaft. anything significant and the shaft is bent (or perhaps bearings are worn) only real way to tell is to disassemble the it and have a propeller shop check it.
Suggest getting a marine and/or boatyard mechanic inspection to get a second opinion.
Rudder bearings: start by removing the rudder, then the bearings. Inspect the bearings, measure the rudder post (stock) and opening in the hull and purchase new ones and replace. This article may be helpful: How to replace rudder bearings - boats.com.
Shaft: take a piece of stiff wire (like an undone coathanger) and clamp it to the lower unit somewhere ( like the skeg) bend it up to just touch the very edge of the propshaft. (with the engine in neutral and off of course, spin the prop by hand and note if there is a change in distance from the end of the wire to the edge of the prop shaft. anything significant and the shaft is bent (or perhaps bearings are worn) only real way to tell is to disassemble the it and have a propeller shop check it.
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