Advise in replacing ruddder bushings

[Bateau Margo]

We have a 79 Hunter 27 Cherubini with a tiller. There is play in both the rudder shaft and where the tiller connects to the shaft. Where the tiller connects to the shaft looks like an easy fix. But the rudder bushings look intimidating.
Has anyone don't this on the same boat? What can I expect and where can I get the parts?

 

[Dunlookin]

A Tale of Two Boats

My buddy had the problem on his 33'. When he took the boat out of the watter he put a car jack under the rudder and began a two day process to access the bushings, remove the old packing drop the rudder, install new packing and retighten the rudder packing nut. The access was so small we took pictures of the contortions he went through. It cost him three dollars in parts (the new packing).

When my boat was pulled last I had the marina do the job for me. Cost me $ 585.00. It will never need to be done again as the factory packing lasted 35 years. I'm prettry sure I'll be dead if it does.

It is a "do it yourself job." I simply did not want to do it after watching the contortions he went through. Similar to why I don't change my oil or will never install another garage door opener.

Your call.

 

[ggrizzard]

There was a thread here on the subject a few months ago, albeit on a bigger Hunter C. Check the archives. Use "Search" button above and try 'rudder post'.

 

[braol]

After looking in the back of my '27 I'd probably pay someone to do it. That being said, there is nothing wrong with using the jack as described to lower the rudder once you have loosened the required fitting. Worse case scenario, you have someone do it for you anyways...maybe you can get most of it done and you can just have a boat yard check it. It just looks very confined back there. I am looking at putting in a wheel autopilot and I need to figure out how to mount the rudder position sensor. I think I will be waiting for cooler weather!
I also do not know where to get a new rudder packing. Would this be a custom made part?