Can somebody with expertise tell me if this rudder is seaworthy or needs to be pulled given the following views. The rudder appears normal. It is tight in the bearing in every direction. The appearance of rust concerns me. The boat has been on the hard for about 6 months when the photo was taken.
H34 rudder
- Thread starter Ch0pp3r
- Start date
rudder post lubrication
I think it looks OK.
Someone with more experience needs to chime in, but it sounds like water has gotten into the bearing and corrosion has started to cause a problem. On the other hand, spraying lubricant into the rudder post and working it back and forth may help.
The rudder is heavy, and being out of the water applies much more stress on the assembly since the weight is unsupported by the water, so that may be the source of the greater effort needed to operate the rudder.
I brought my boat down from Middle River back in 2013. The Maryland Marina was a great help to me getting my boat back up to standard.
I think it looks OK.
Someone with more experience needs to chime in, but it sounds like water has gotten into the bearing and corrosion has started to cause a problem. On the other hand, spraying lubricant into the rudder post and working it back and forth may help.The rudder is heavy, and being out of the water applies much more stress on the assembly since the weight is unsupported by the water, so that may be the source of the greater effort needed to operate the rudder.
I brought my boat down from Middle River back in 2013. The Maryland Marina was a great help to me getting my boat back up to standard.
Before buying or sailing a lot, I would investigate that further. It looks like the top sealant material may be holding water against the stainless rudder tube and causing crevice corrosion. It doesn't look that bad but it is in a terrible place that would weaken the post a lot if there is worse corrosion below where you can see. It would be best to drop the rudder to the ground and clean out the joint to look at how bad the corrosion is. If localized and shallow, clean up and seal carefully. If it gets a lot worse inside, time to lift the boat and pull the rudder to fix.. Good Luck.
EDIT: this is one place where 5200 can be used effectively.
EDIT: this is one place where 5200 can be used effectively.
I agree with Kloudie- drop the rudder down and clean off the rudder tube so you can see the condition. If the rust is just surface, seal the join between the tube and the rudder with 5200. Press it into the joint so you have a good watertight seal.
I agree with Kloudie and Richard. I would take it a step further.
I would dig down into the rudder a little to see how far down the corrosion goes.
If not to far or to deep into the SS tube seal it up with 5200 and you're good to go.
By the way I'm pretty sure there's no bearing a such just a nylon bushing.
Good luck with this. If you do decide to drop the rudder it is heavy so be careful.
I would dig down into the rudder a little to see how far down the corrosion goes.
If not to far or to deep into the SS tube seal it up with 5200 and you're good to go.
By the way I'm pretty sure there's no bearing a such just a nylon bushing.
Good luck with this. If you do decide to drop the rudder it is heavy so be careful.
1st you I didn't see what year the boat is? it looks like an 84 or 85 which used a smaller rudder the same one was used on the 31' That rudder stock is 2 piece the exposed area is stainless steel, with cold rolled steel welded on about 4" from the top of the rudder. I'm sorry but I would cut open that area and I think your going to find a badly rusted weld joint. Why do I know broke 2 of them clean off on my 31' The bearing is not what we think of being a bearing it's Duralon Material, which Hunter used on these vintage boats very durable and inexpensive. My 45' uses the same material and has logged a lot of miles and races with no problem.
What does a moisture meter reading look like. Have you drilled any holes to see if any rusted water seeps out?
Certainly needs to be looked at but get more H 34 owners input before panicing. You are right to be concerned but it may not be that serious once you look closer, ie under the skin.
Certainly needs to be looked at but get more H 34 owners input before panicing. You are right to be concerned but it may not be that serious once you look closer, ie under the skin.
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I have considered purchasing a moisture meter but I have no experience using one so I am not sure that it would be helpful. I have not drilled the rudder as this is a pre-purchase inspection so it is not mine to drill.
This could be a minor deal or I could lose a rudder in the Atlantic... I better find out before making an expensive mistake.
On the other hand... I am looking for a decent Hunter 34 to buy!
This could be a minor deal or I could lose a rudder in the Atlantic... I better find out before making an expensive mistake.
On the other hand... I am looking for a decent Hunter 34 to buy!
Moisture Meter will not tell you what you need to know, almost all these rudders will show moisture. You have to look at that wielded joint that's where the problem may maybe. trust me I know what I'm talking about.
If you are looking at boats a moisture meter is invaluable. While it will not tell you all you need to know about this rudder it will give you a lot of info about how bad the moisture is at various levels. You can also use it to check the decks. They are not hard to use and can save you thousands in survey fees alone as you can eliminate a lot of boats before paying a surveyor to tell you the decks are all wet. Having a moisture meter is not a substitue for hiring a surveyor on a boat that you are serious about but can save you a lot of aggreavtion by finding out problems early before you get too far along the purchase process. I got mine, www.electrophysics.on.ca for less than $200 with acalibration plate.
I am sure you are correct regarding the need to look at this rudder more closely. The Hunter 34 is a 1983. I am not sure how to tell if its the small rudder. I am however aware of the issue and measured it. What size is the H31 rudder?
I did order a moisture meter today after reading about how useful it will be regarding decks and such. It might tell me if there is a lot of moisture in the rudder but the real issue here is whether the shaft is compromised or not.
I did order a moisture meter today after reading about how useful it will be regarding decks and such. It might tell me if there is a lot of moisture in the rudder but the real issue here is whether the shaft is compromised or not.
If all else looks good to you ( and also to an experienced friend ) then a survyeor will be helpful but as others have already said some cutting away to expose the shaft will be needed. As that would not likely be permitted by the owner, you could base your offer allowing for the cost of a new rudder from Foss rudder. Then if you get lucky the rudder will be fine and the money you saved can be used for whatever surprise you may find later.
What is a ballpark number on a new rudder from Foss? I know some folks here have gone down that road...
I just looked up a replacement rudder that I found on this HunterOwners site. $1746.
I just looked up a replacement rudder that I found on this HunterOwners site. $1746.
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I looked at this price as well. Thinking if the rest of the boat is fine offer them at least $5000 less and get the rudder replaced. It would make me feel better knowing my rudder won't break off at the worst possible time. Not there is ever a good time for that. Good luck!
I think I am remembering right that the larger, replacement rudder is 16" across the bottom. The H31 rudder is not that wide
