Have to drop the rudder

[Garry Elmer]

While removing the prop I bent and cracked the threaded portion of the bronze shaft. Looks like someone had maybe put some 5200 on the shaft before the prop! I followed that by breaking the a bolt on the flange so now I have to cut the shaft up to remove it.What is the best way to drop the rudder? Loosen the quadrant or split it? Tricks? Warnings? Also, the specs I found have the shaft at 49" x 1". That is what I am ordering. Golly, I might as well replace the rubber section of the shaft seal and my cutlass bearing too.Any recommendations (besides not working on my boat) would be welcome!Thanks!Garry ElmerMystic CTelmergw@99main.com

 

[red coles]

DIY

Gary, dont be turned off by your problems. it would probably have happened to pros also and you would be paying $50 per hour. Even with the problems,think of the experience your gaining. Being self sufficient is a great feeling, and a lot easier on your wallet.Hang in there As to using a replacement pump,I assume its electric. I feel this would be perfectly ok. Your only supplying fuel to the injector pump, Which uses a very small volume. Go for it. Good luck  red

 

[Edward Brennan]

rudder removal

Having heard all the concern about Hunter 33 rudder bearings and rudder, I removed mine. My quadrant is an Edson split design using four threaded stainless bolts to retain the quadrant on the rudder stock. Due to the disimilar metals, I had to drill the bolts off.  Removing the rudder itself proved to be more difficult than imagined due to a slight bend in the rudder stock and the fact that the bearing had to be ground off due to excessive rust. The stuffing tube is 14 inches long and was a tight fit. Basically, I had to pound it out then straighten the stock. I purchased a new bearing assembly from our local "bearings are us" guy. He recommended food service grade bearings. This is a composite bearing and will not rust but has the strength of the original steel bearing.Don't give up! Working on the boat is great mental therapy.

 

[Sam Lust]

Rudder drop

My rudder came out slick as butter. Removed the steering cables, un-bolted the Merriman quadrant, (careful of the shaft key!)un-screwed the set bolt from the retaining collar and then just wiggled it down from outside.I had bent the shaft prior to removal, but straightened it with a tackle while the rudder was still in the boat.