Bent rudder Post on a Hunter 33

[Panama Anna]

jA month ago in Panama we had an unusual storm. Our boat slipped her moooring and was washed almost ashore. Thanks to the enthusiastic villagers it was saved but not without some bend in the rudder post.. Ny query is how to drop the rudder and straighten the post. The rudder will not pass thru the center line of the boat and it is quite a dance to siz zag along going in foreward for a while then in reverse. Funny picture. Anybody help me?Ann

 

[KennyH]

Replace the rudder post

Afraid the only good fix is to pull the rudder and replace the shaft completely. If you straighten it you weaken the thing and it could break at any time. New shaft is the only proper fix. Not sure if you can get one from Hunter but once you remove it and have the dia,lenght etc can be found somewhere. Good luck.

 

[Alan J]

Replacement rudder

I had to replace my rudder on my former H37C and I ordered a direct replacement from Foss Foam in Florida. It was bent during a storm while in the Atlantic and I had them make the new one in a heaverier tubing than factory original. It came as ordered and on time. I had to make a couple of holes and tap threads but it was PERFECT. Do not attempt to straighten as I believe it will add to the stress in the tubing. Since ;you have already bent it, do you want to add stress!!

 

[Sam Lust]

Go ahead- rebend it

I sail in very thin water and have slightly bent the rudder on my 1983 Hunter 33 at least 2 times and have straightened it two times. The bend has never been to the point where the aft upper tip of the rudder could not be forced past the princess fairing. The first rebend was accomplshed out of the water as the bend occurred on the last sail of the year. I used a tackle between the rudder and the keel and cradle.The second occurance was at the beginning of my season with several guys aboard for a good day of sailing. I just backed the boat down on a very steep sandy beach that I knew to be rock free. A couple of light hits was enough to get the rudder swinging free. A great day of sailing was had by all aboard.Several years later I have had no further problems. There was no dimpling or wrinkling of the shaft metal so I seriously doubt there was any real "stress" involved. The shaft is solid 1 1/2" stainless steel. It is surprisingly strong. Remember, this is not a 1990's committee designed Hunter. These older boats are a lot more solid than you think. In reality the shaft actualy takes on some strength during the initial couple of bends due to "work hardening". Try bending a wire coat hanger to break it. Well before it breaks it will become very hard to bend, and finaly after a lot of work and heat it will break. The stainless is much stronger and more maleable. I would not trust one of the later hollow shaft rudders with this technique. If you take a shot at this, do your best to hit dead straight on the aft edge of the rudder, transferring the loads in a straight lengthwise manner to the hull. It will take it. You have very little to loose and you might just save your cruise for a while.

 

[Sam Lust]

Go ahead, you know you want to try it!!

All that stuff with boards and eyes and iron and stuff. Just bash it up against a sand bar. You won't be happy till you do.On a more serious note, my method caused no damage that I have been able to turn up after several years. The 33 is fairly robust and forgiving, and glass and epoxy are not all that expensive. By the way, if the bend is to the side all bets are off.