Hi everyone, I need help about a 1/16" play in my rudder. http://www.bellavance.net/rudder.jpg > there is a picture of the rudder I heard about fill with epoxy, but since the space for filling is so tight, I'm not really sure how to proceed... Is there any kind of very thin shim that I could use? Thanks for your help !
- Status
common problem
The fix may be much more than you really need. The proper long-term fix would be to drop the rudder shaft and replace the delrin shims both at the top and bottom of the shaft. There isn't a really good way of doing anything permanent other than this I am aware of. Unless you are planning an ocean crossing, you might consider not doing anything as others have chosen - that is, watchful waiting to see if it gets worse. That little amount of play may be easily felt in the wheel but not a big problem. NB - just remembered - there may not be a top bearing on your rudder post but the fix remains the same as it is the bottom bearing you know to be worn
The fix may be much more than you really need. The proper long-term fix would be to drop the rudder shaft and replace the delrin shims both at the top and bottom of the shaft. There isn't a really good way of doing anything permanent other than this I am aware of. Unless you are planning an ocean crossing, you might consider not doing anything as others have chosen - that is, watchful waiting to see if it gets worse. That little amount of play may be easily felt in the wheel but not a big problem. NB - just remembered - there may not be a top bearing on your rudder post but the fix remains the same as it is the bottom bearing you know to be worn
rudder play
Before doing anything call a Hunter Tech in Florida at 386-462-3077. When I called with the exact same problem on my Legend 35.5 I was told that Hunter allows up to a 1/4" side-to-side play in the rudder shaft. A 1/16" or 1/8" play is not much to worry about and should not need a fix for some time which will be determined by the frequency of use and how hard you drive your boat. A another series of calls to a couple of local yards - one of which is a reputable Hunter dealer, (if you should decide to have a yard do the work) - indicated a repair of about a whole day's labor plus parts and lift fees (if if you need to be hauled out) ranging from about $800.00 - $1,500.00, assuming there are no other difficulties. You can compute approx. cost based on yard hourly rates - usually around $75.00-$80.00 per hour in the New Jersey/Chesapeake area. FYI: If I were going to have someone do the work (which I am not) my preference would be for the Hunter dealer for obvious reason. The rate may be a bit higher but may end up saving in the long run since that have specific knowledge/experience with this problem.
Before doing anything call a Hunter Tech in Florida at 386-462-3077. When I called with the exact same problem on my Legend 35.5 I was told that Hunter allows up to a 1/4" side-to-side play in the rudder shaft. A 1/16" or 1/8" play is not much to worry about and should not need a fix for some time which will be determined by the frequency of use and how hard you drive your boat. A another series of calls to a couple of local yards - one of which is a reputable Hunter dealer, (if you should decide to have a yard do the work) - indicated a repair of about a whole day's labor plus parts and lift fees (if if you need to be hauled out) ranging from about $800.00 - $1,500.00, assuming there are no other difficulties. You can compute approx. cost based on yard hourly rates - usually around $75.00-$80.00 per hour in the New Jersey/Chesapeake area. FYI: If I were going to have someone do the work (which I am not) my preference would be for the Hunter dealer for obvious reason. The rate may be a bit higher but may end up saving in the long run since that have specific knowledge/experience with this problem.
I've never done this but a local surveyor advised me...
of a way to reduce play by dropping the rudder enough to insert a section of teflon sheet around the base of the shaft to reduce play. Hunter says 1/8th inch play on our boat is acceptable. Terry
of a way to reduce play by dropping the rudder enough to insert a section of teflon sheet around the base of the shaft to reduce play. Hunter says 1/8th inch play on our boat is acceptable. Terry
- Status