H-466 Rudder post not centered in lower bushing

[My 2nd Wind]

Hello all. I've been sailing a 2004 H-466 for the last couple of years. I've read threads from time to time but finally registered today because I'm in a bind and unfortunately so is my rudder post.
Just dropped the rudder and found that the post isn't even close to being centered in the lower bushing and my belief is that this is the cause of my difficult helm movement. I've attached a couple of photos. I'm assuming that I need to CUT off and out all 4 bushings (upper and lower) and have new ones fabricated. Any help on that process is definitely welcome. However, I'm really baffled on how to reset new bushings so that they are true to the axis of the post which is not a true round shaft.
Thanks in advance for your help and it's nice to finally be fully on board with you fellow sailors.

 

[JamesG161]

Do not cut anything !

It is just like my old one.
I will be back to this forum in an hour with answers.

Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

Welcome to SBO....
I had to replace my rudder after the Boat set ashore.

Repairing boat after Hurricane Zeta

My Rudder info starts on my post #60
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

Just some info for you.

Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

From your owners manual...

 

[My 2nd Wind]

Thank you Jim for the welcome and the info. After a conversation and exchanging emails with Mike at SBO 800... LINE; I've come to find out that a fix for the bushings on the old fiberglass post is not a good option.
Replacing the rudder with a Stainless post is the real solution but a little out of reach for me on this haul out.
My plan is to clean up the current surfaces and actually reduce the radius slightly on the bottom few inches of the upper bushing. This will provide a little space for swinging of the post that occurs due to off center situation that I have with the lower bushing.

Thanks again Jim

 

[JamesG161]

From your pictures it looked ok to me.

The "Offset" is filled properly.

I had to retro-fit mine.

The issue is the boat side Bearings.
Yours are the same as mine, and almost impossible to change.
But the good news is they are made of this material

UHMW

After many sailing miles, mine were still good.
If you ever need some help from me, let me know.

Jim...

PS: I live about 45 minute drive from NOLA. When my boat is back in the water, a visit may be in order.

 

[JamesG161]

This maybe where the future holds for your rudder.

After a conversation and exchanging emails with Mike at SBO 800... LINE

My new retrofit that I bought from SBO too.



Not all parts shown.

Jim...

 

[My 2nd Wind]

Yes sir, that's exactly what they described that I would have to do for a compete fix. I'll make my bandaid and start saving up.

 

[rebelh2o]

Hoping to piggyback on this posting to to get some info on my rudder assembly. I have a 2001 Hunter 340 with a replacement rudder that had some play in the bottom "bushing". When checking the play (measuring side to side and back and fore) the black (polyethylene I think)bushing dropped down and rested on top of the rudder making the play worse. Pushing it up firmly as far as it would go eliminated the play. I dropped the rudder to inspect the assembly and am confused why the black bushing is not fixed in place. Any info or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JamesG161]

The Lower Rudder Bushing should not be Fixed in place.

the black (polyethylene I think)bushing dropped

If my memory is correct, it is made of a carbon composite.

________

checking the play (measuring side to side and back and fore)

That play maybe in your Steering Quadrant.

I have learned a lot about Rudders, if you check my posts above

Do know who made your replacement Rudder?

Jim...

PS: Welcome to SBO

 

[rebelh2o]

Thanks for the response and welcome Jim.
I'm not sure who made the replacement. I've read your entire refit post and am glad to have your wealth of information. The steering quadrant seemed solid. After hauling the boat for the season last fall, I was inspecting the bottom and noticed the play in the rudder. I researched over the winter and found the hunter OEM assembly to be the same as the diagram for the 430 you posted above. There is an epoxy/graphite injection repair in Gudgeon brothers manual that I assumed I would be attempting to tackle this spring but now I'm dealing with a different animal. Your rudder post looks like the rudder post from my boat. Was there a similar bushing that was installed with your replacement? Also did you install a spacer between the hull and rudder?
I also started a new thread on this topic not knowing proper protocol.

 

[JamesG161]

Was there a similar bushing that was installed with your replacement?

Close , but yes.
_____

Also did you install a spacer between the hull and rudder?

The Bushing is the Spacer.

_____

I also started a new thread on this topic not knowing proper protocol.

I would stay on this Topic or Post, since many other search this site for info.

Jim...

 

[rebelh2o]

I would stay on this Topic or Post

Will do.

Close , but yes.

Was the bushing fixed in place in the UHMW sleeve?

Also was there any spacer at the top of the rudder tube between the steering quadrant and the top UHMV sleeve? My quadrant pivots/rests on the top of the UHMV sleeve. My thinking is that it would be logical to have a sacrificial spacer to replace instead of bearing directly on the UHMV sleeve and wearing the permanently installed and difficult to remove sleeve.

 

[JamesG161]

it is faster if you call me by phone

Check your privates Messages