on my 1991 H42, I find that underway my steering is very heavy, while when stationary it is fine. So, I am assuming worn rudder bearings. It appears that these boats run a SS rudder stock inside machined SS bearings- has anyone serviced or replaced these bearings please? What did you find- what was your experience?
H42 heavy steering
- Thread starter eianm
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My understanding is the top of the post is fixed and there is a delrin "bearing" at the bottom. Sounds like the bottom is worn or gone. Simple test is to check for lateral movement when out of the water. If the boat is in, a short-haul is necessary.
You can just jump in the water and attempt to wiggle the rudder. If it is really bad you will know. Also, you don't say how fast you are going. Lots of speed and flow over the rudder will make it heavy.
if the bearings where bad then the feel would be heavy all the time. Agree with Bill1565, check the rudder directly and the faster you go heaver the feel.
Eianm.
I think this is what you are looking for .
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=873363
Regards
I think this is what you are looking for .
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=873363
Regards
Under way with sail or engine? There is MUCH more load on the rudder when under sail .. loose bearings can let it skew enough to jam and stiffen.. higher load would bring on more stiffness. Motoring brings a little more load because of the unsymmetrical prop wash, but usually that load is a lot less than sailing loads.
Its been this way since youve had the boat, correct?
Rudders when at speed and where the flow of water is fast along the sides of the rudder surface will develop sometime large resistance to the turning of the rudder.... small forces when turning 'slightly' but LARGE resistance forces when attempting to put in large rudder angles ... just a hydrodynamic effect.
The more 'balanced' the rudder design (where the rudder shaft is located more towards the center (w/r fore/aft position) of the rudder, the less the effect; 'pintle hung' stern mounted or skeg mounted rudders are the worst vs. such adverse 'dynamic effects' ..... when the boat is up to full speed.
Rudders when at speed and where the flow of water is fast along the sides of the rudder surface will develop sometime large resistance to the turning of the rudder.... small forces when turning 'slightly' but LARGE resistance forces when attempting to put in large rudder angles ... just a hydrodynamic effect.
The more 'balanced' the rudder design (where the rudder shaft is located more towards the center (w/r fore/aft position) of the rudder, the less the effect; 'pintle hung' stern mounted or skeg mounted rudders are the worst vs. such adverse 'dynamic effects' ..... when the boat is up to full speed.
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