im pulling the rudder off my h34 this spring to take care of some sloppiness in helm. down below the play seems to be about 18" in all directions around the rudder post. is their a part # for ordering one, and is their more than one supporting the rudder. I hoping its not a difficult job?
changing rudder post bushing
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H34 Rudder Bushing
I tried to do this job a few years ago. Hunter has no part, no part number, no print and are no help on this job. From what I saw there is a plastic bushing inside the rudder tube. I ended up lowering the rudder and slipped some thin teflon sheets up there to take up some space. I have my doubts about how long they stayed in place. (I sold the vessel shortly after) On a Catalina 30 I coated the inside of the bushing with thickened epoxy and put a well greased rudder back in place before the epoxy kicked. The epoxy took up some of the space from the worn rudder tube
I tried to do this job a few years ago. Hunter has no part, no part number, no print and are no help on this job. From what I saw there is a plastic bushing inside the rudder tube. I ended up lowering the rudder and slipped some thin teflon sheets up there to take up some space. I have my doubts about how long they stayed in place. (I sold the vessel shortly after) On a Catalina 30 I coated the inside of the bushing with thickened epoxy and put a well greased rudder back in place before the epoxy kicked. The epoxy took up some of the space from the worn rudder tube
I Replaced Mine
I had mine replaced a few years ago on my '88 L37. Hunter was no help since they didn't keep any records. I had to have mine custom-built and mfg'd by a friend who is an engineer (lucky for me). He took the necessary measurements with a micrometer and it worked out just fine. You may try to contact Foss Foam in FL who makes the rudders for Hunter. They may be helpful. Good Luck!
I had mine replaced a few years ago on my '88 L37. Hunter was no help since they didn't keep any records. I had to have mine custom-built and mfg'd by a friend who is an engineer (lucky for me). He took the necessary measurements with a micrometer and it worked out just fine. You may try to contact Foss Foam in FL who makes the rudders for Hunter. They may be helpful. Good Luck!
rudder bushing
yeah, thanx allot guys, im wondering if there's anything like teflon duck tape you can wrap around the rudder post to make the correct clearance, without upsetting the bushing mount. How does the rudder come out? is it a matter of loosening some bolts, and nuts?
yeah, thanx allot guys, im wondering if there's anything like teflon duck tape you can wrap around the rudder post to make the correct clearance, without upsetting the bushing mount. How does the rudder come out? is it a matter of loosening some bolts, and nuts?
Rudder Removal
You need to have the boat lifted or have the ability do dig a hole in the ground under the rudder that is at least four feet deep. The entire rudder is over 8' tall with the post. You need to remove the ceiling panel in the aft cabin to access the steering quadrant. Loosen the steering cables and loosen the bolts that attach the quadrant to the rudder shaft. There is at least one bolt that need to be removed that goes through the assembly. Next you need to go under the stern seat and remove the retaining collar from the shaft. Since this is the final thing holding it in put blocks under the rudder to support it. Frequently the aluminum quadrant gets stuck to the rudder post due to corrosion. It's best to have a helper but i have done this job alone more times than I'd like to remember
You need to have the boat lifted or have the ability do dig a hole in the ground under the rudder that is at least four feet deep. The entire rudder is over 8' tall with the post. You need to remove the ceiling panel in the aft cabin to access the steering quadrant. Loosen the steering cables and loosen the bolts that attach the quadrant to the rudder shaft. There is at least one bolt that need to be removed that goes through the assembly. Next you need to go under the stern seat and remove the retaining collar from the shaft. Since this is the final thing holding it in put blocks under the rudder to support it. Frequently the aluminum quadrant gets stuck to the rudder post due to corrosion. It's best to have a helper but i have done this job alone more times than I'd like to remember
Daryl, What accounts for his sloppiness?
I've never had any problems with mine so I haven't torn into it.
I've never had any problems with mine so I haven't torn into it.
Vin, check with Hunter Marine to verify this...
but they told me that anything up to 1/8th inch play was within tolerance, Bud
but they told me that anything up to 1/8th inch play was within tolerance, Bud
rudder removal
ive come to the conclusion that 8' is allot of rudder to pull out for 18" clearance, ill measure it with a feeler gauge, and if its less than 3/16" i wont mess with it. and if its more, maybe i can drop it a couple of feet, just to get at the bottom of the tube for repairs. besides, the yard owner would be more than ticked, if he found a hole in the asphalt!
ive come to the conclusion that 8' is allot of rudder to pull out for 18" clearance, ill measure it with a feeler gauge, and if its less than 3/16" i wont mess with it. and if its more, maybe i can drop it a couple of feet, just to get at the bottom of the tube for repairs. besides, the yard owner would be more than ticked, if he found a hole in the asphalt!
VIN, my surveyor told me to use teflon sheeting...
wrapped around the base of the rudder post to reduce play. Like you state, if it is less than 3/16th inch side to side play I would just keep and eye on it. Our H28 had about that much play when we purchased it and the surveyor said that it was okay but to check it at each haul out. Two years later there was no change. Bud
wrapped around the base of the rudder post to reduce play. Like you state, if it is less than 3/16th inch side to side play I would just keep and eye on it. Our H28 had about that much play when we purchased it and the surveyor said that it was okay but to check it at each haul out. Two years later there was no change. Bud
Rudder Play
Mine had play slightly over 1/8" at the post but that made for much greater movement at the bottom of the rudder. I was able to slide a small teflon sheet that was about 4" high and went less than 1/4 of the way around the shaft. It took up the free play but I have my doubts it stayed in place. (sold the boat since then)
Mine had play slightly over 1/8" at the post but that made for much greater movement at the bottom of the rudder. I was able to slide a small teflon sheet that was about 4" high and went less than 1/4 of the way around the shaft. It took up the free play but I have my doubts it stayed in place. (sold the boat since then)
teflon sheeting?
sounds like a plan, thanx bud, where do they sell the the stuff? hardware, or marine stores.
sounds like a plan, thanx bud, where do they sell the the stuff? hardware, or marine stores.
The Great Marine Supply, ...McMaster-Carr
Go to http://www.mcmaster.com/ and start browsing! If they haven't got it forget it. Shipping is reasonable and there is no minimum purchase. Go to "Raw Materials and Springs - Plastics _ Film" You will find stuff from 0.0005 ( yes, 1/2 thousands of an inch)to 1/4 inch thick. AND... the search Engine really works.
Go to http://www.mcmaster.com/ and start browsing! If they haven't got it forget it. Shipping is reasonable and there is no minimum purchase. Go to "Raw Materials and Springs - Plastics _ Film" You will find stuff from 0.0005 ( yes, 1/2 thousands of an inch)to 1/4 inch thick. AND... the search Engine really works.
VIN, most yards carry the stuff. Check with...
with your local yard. It comes in thin sheets and can be cut to fit your application. Bud
with your local yard. It comes in thin sheets and can be cut to fit your application. Bud
allot of gratitude
thanks guys, im on it. you were all very helpful! i guess thats why hunter is still a very popular boat, and is still around.
thanks guys, im on it. you were all very helpful! i guess thats why hunter is still a very popular boat, and is still around.
VIN, please let us know the outcome of your...
project. It's always nice to know whether the advice on this site plays well. Bud
project. It's always nice to know whether the advice on this site plays well. Bud
West System
West System has the quickest and easiest way to do the job. Pick up their booklet "Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance" and any chandlery and check out "Repairing worn rudder bearings on pg. 59.
West System has the quickest and easiest way to do the job. Pick up their booklet "Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance" and any chandlery and check out "Repairing worn rudder bearings on pg. 59.
rudder bushing
yea thanx, ive used the product often, its great stuff. my custom surfboard was one of the first models to use epoxy resin back in the 80's. it saved 2 lbs. on a 8 footer.
yea thanx, ive used the product often, its great stuff. my custom surfboard was one of the first models to use epoxy resin back in the 80's. it saved 2 lbs. on a 8 footer.
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