Crack in drum base of Vara rudder on Hunter 27 Edge

[Terra Nova]

I was inspecting the bottom of my Hunter Edge 27 before launching and noticed the base of the rudder drum is cracked. I think it happened a year and a half ago when I pulled onto my trailer with the rudder partially extended.

I'm fairly certain it was cracked all last summer with no issues. So I don't think it is causing any mechanical problems. I would like to repair the drum before launching, but I have no idea how to remove the bottom of the drum. I've looked through the manual and am not finding any information how to disassemble it. I know there are bearings around the drum, so I'm afraid to blindly try anything. There are 4 phillips head screws in the bottom of the drum (not shown in the photo). I was tempted to unscrew them to see if I could remove the bottom of the drum, but I wanted to check here first.

There is also additional photos and a diagram of the rudder assembly here: https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/hunter-27-edge-vara-rudder.174376/

There is also another post about the Hunter Edge rudder here: https://forums.sailboatowners.com/i...tte-mounted-rudder-flooded-and-locked.173590/

 

[Terra Nova]

Thanks for getting back to me. It definitely looks like it can be repaired. The cracked area appears to be just a chunk of fiberglass and not a crack that goes up affecting the structure of the drum. After more inspection I think I have to remove everything from above. The base looks to have a lip that sits on the bearings.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Not sure of the year but if difficulty turning, replace the bearings sold by the forum store.

 

[Terra Nova]

I saw that they recently started selling bearings. My Edge is from the first year in 2009, so maybe I should replace them? I haven't had any issues, but apparently others have. Since I'm pulling it apart maybe I should change the bearings while I'm in there.

 

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[Terra Nova]

I know the Edge is not a common boat, but I thought I'd post an update for anyone having a similar issue. The bottom plate for the rudder cylinder is only a cosmetic fiberglass cover. It serves no structural purpose, only to cover the steering mechanism.

It was very easy to remove with the four screws holding it in place. I did have to pull the rudder since I wouldn't have room to remove the plate with the boat on my trailer. It was a very simple fiberglass repair and it's back on my boat as good as new.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Can you post some photos with a description of the repair and post underhunter boat information?