Loose rudder

[Brian]

I have a 73 cat 27 with tiller steering. There seems to be more "play" in the rudder than there should be (2-3 inches). I have not been able to determine if it is the tiller, rudder post, or something in between that is loose. It does not present a control problem, it's just annoying and would probably throw off a tiller autopilot. I've tightened the bolts and that did not solve the problem. Any ideas? If I take the bolts out to remove the tiller from the rudder post is there anything keeping the rudder on the boat or will it fall free and sink?

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Shim

I have the same problem on my '73. I agree it's a little annoying but I'm not going to haul out to fix it. You're correct in thinking that if you remove the bolts the rudder will drop to the bottom of the bay! Unless you have some kind of strap or something holding it up. What you need to do, probably next time you haul out unless it's really *that* irritating, is to add a shim to the shaft. There was one in there when I hauled out and explained why my tiller was so tough to move. Removing it freed it up quite nicely but now I have that play. I'd rather have the play! LaDonna