Bent Rudder Shaft

[Mike M.]

I have a rudder that has a bent shaft on a 1985 27 inboard/wing keel. The marina was moving the boat and caught a power line while driving down the road (the mast was up). The aft part of the craddle and boat slid off the trailer and landed on the road. It bent the crap out of the rudder shaft. They (the marina) is telling me it can be repaired and will be as good as new. Has anyone ever heard of straighting a rudder shaft? I am also concern about the shaft not being as strong after it is repaired. Any comments are appreciated. I can also be emailed at morty@i2k.com

 

[Robert Fischer]

not suggested

I've never heard of a rudder shaft for a keel boat that size being straightened. All rudders have the potential to take on water, (this is bad). I would not have any confidence on the long term prospects for this type of fix. The other problem with rudders is the internal shaft/rudder connections. I would feel the damage you mentioned would compromise these vital connections.It might be fine until you hit some foul weather, which is when you need it most. they damaged it, tell them you want a new/used, but different one.

 

[Dennis Thomas]

How bent is it?

During a period of low water in our lake, I hit a stump in the Marina and bent the rudder shaft on my Catl 36. I was turning to port so the keel didn't hit first. There is a small fairing in the hull at the top of the rudder and the shaft was bent enough that I could not get back to center (or to starboard of course). It was on new years day so it was a bit cold to get in the water myself. I checked and double checked for leaks but found none, so I had the shop pull the boat the next day and check it out. End result, they just bent it back straight by attaching a line between the keel and the rudder and cranking it in. The head of the shop (whom I respect) said that other than the chance to give it a better inspection, the work could have been done in the water. That was two years ago and I have had no problem.It may be that your boat took a harder knock falling off a tralier. Like the previous writer I would be concerned about the possiblity of leaks at the bearing. You should be able to see any cracks or missalignment of the gear inside the boat. If they can straighten the shaft and assure you that there are no leaks at the shaft bearing and no other cracks or missalignments after the bending then I say go ahead. They can always replace it if this simple approach fails.

 

[Steve W]

hire a surveyor, take pics, mark the old rudder...

I would really be more concerned about the damage you can't see: bearings, seals, alignment, steering assy, cracks around the rudder bearing housings, etc. I would hire a surveyor to inspect it and give you a written report on the damage and suggested repairs. Internal damage to the rudder/web/welds could be a concern, too. Finally, take some pics of the damage and mark the old rudder so they don't just send it out to be straightened, slap some new bottom paint on it and tell you it is a different new/used rudder. A few bucks spent on s surveyor may save you a lot of grief down the road. Good Luck,