Hunter 23.5 gudgeon assembly

[Hugh Straub]

When checking out a new to me 1993, 23.5, I wormed my way under the cockpit sole to the transom. (about as much space as in an MRI machine...does anybody really sleep back there?) I discovered the two bolts to the lower rudder gudgeon had no washers or nuts securing them. I'm guessing this slipshod arrangement is original construction based upon threads I've read here about boats losing their rudders. I suggest any owner who hasn't squeezed his way aft, should make the effort just to be sure that my experience is unique. For better or worse, If my rudder should get ripped free now, that problem will be secondary to the big hunk of transom which will go with it.

That said, I am enjoying the boat which I expect will be just about perfect for cruising our Lakes Ponchartrain and Maurepas.

Kind regards

Hugh Straub
New Orleans

 

[Rick Webb]

Not an Issue

There is a substancial piece of aluminum embedded into the fiberglass that is holding it on. I can not remember anyone having problems with the connections.

Were it an issue I think we would have heared of an issue by now.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Ditto but for peace of mind you can add a large plate drilled with holes to fit the bolt pattern as a backing plate and then add nylon lock nuts. I neve did on the boats sold and worked on

crazy Dave

 

[Hugh Straub]

Ditto but for peace of mind you can add a large plate drilled with holes to fit the bolt pattern as a backing plate and then add nylon lock nuts. I neve did on the boats sold and worked on

crazy Dave

Two large stainless fender washers and nylon lock nuts on those naked bolts seemed easy and cheap insurance to me.

Kind regards
Hugh