I am looking in to purchasing 1996 hunter 29.5. Boat is a bit neglected cosmetically but seems to be in a good shape. The only problem I can see that rudder moves with the nylon "collar". I thought rudder has to move inside of the nylon "collar" not with it. Has somebody experienced similar problem and how serious it is? I will try to attach the picture but unfortunately focus is not too good so I don't know if this help. It looks like nylon "collar" get loose and will need to be glassed back. Any feedback suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks Igor
Hunter 29.5 rudder
- Thread starter IgorC
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Collar sounds OK
The nylon (or whatever it is made of) is not glassed in. It is placed on the rudder shaft before the rudder is installed to act as a spacer and can rotate with the rudder (or not). I had mine replaced on my 33.5 last year because it was cracked in half. Hunter made a replacement for me and I had the local marina install it.
The nylon (or whatever it is made of) is not glassed in. It is placed on the rudder shaft before the rudder is installed to act as a spacer and can rotate with the rudder (or not). I had mine replaced on my 33.5 last year because it was cracked in half. Hunter made a replacement for me and I had the local marina install it.
What you need to check for is side to side movement of the rudder shaft. A large amount of free play in the shaft housing is a problem that needs to be addressed. Up to a 1/16" of movement should be acceptable. Anything greater will only worsen over time and affect the handling of the boat. When I first bought my boat I installed stainless steel zerk fittings at the top and bottom of the rudder post tube. Once or twice a year I give a shot of waterproof grease to them and in 15 years of sailing the boat still has virtually no shaft play.
Thanks for responses. There is no sideways movement. There is slight up and down movement but no sideways movement. So if nylon is just a spacer I guess there is no problem with the rudder.
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