We recently bought a Niagara 31 (Built by Hinterholer). It was launched in 1982.
On last haul out we noticed that the rudder was canting about 2degrees to port, but had no time to do anything about it.
I crawled inside the stern space; the rudder tube seem to be intact, the steering mechanism (Edson) likewise looks ok. However just above, where the rudder shaft goes through the cockpit sole, there seem to be a triangular thin metal plate with 3 bolts through it, secured with nuts. This plate is bent and a chunk is missing; 2 of the 3 nuts are loose but I can't tighten them from below because the bolts are turning. (no visible damage to the cockpit floor)
Above and it looks like this: the top of the rudder shaft (S/S) end in a square head (for the emergency tiller. Below this is a strong metal cup threaded onto the shaft; the cup has 3 threaded holes on the side (to assist unscrewing I suppose). I think there is a teflon washer under this, and below these is what I think is the flange of the top bearing (bronze). I can just see bits of the 3 boltheads but can't get to them. I am tempted to try to unscrew the cup and tighten those bolts, but I sure don't want to see my rudder drop down! Does anyone have a diagram or knowledge of this type of rudder? or suggestions of how I might tackle the job without another expen$ive haul out?
On last haul out we noticed that the rudder was canting about 2degrees to port, but had no time to do anything about it.
I crawled inside the stern space; the rudder tube seem to be intact, the steering mechanism (Edson) likewise looks ok. However just above, where the rudder shaft goes through the cockpit sole, there seem to be a triangular thin metal plate with 3 bolts through it, secured with nuts. This plate is bent and a chunk is missing; 2 of the 3 nuts are loose but I can't tighten them from below because the bolts are turning. (no visible damage to the cockpit floor)
Above and it looks like this: the top of the rudder shaft (S/S) end in a square head (for the emergency tiller. Below this is a strong metal cup threaded onto the shaft; the cup has 3 threaded holes on the side (to assist unscrewing I suppose). I think there is a teflon washer under this, and below these is what I think is the flange of the top bearing (bronze). I can just see bits of the 3 boltheads but can't get to them. I am tempted to try to unscrew the cup and tighten those bolts, but I sure don't want to see my rudder drop down! Does anyone have a diagram or knowledge of this type of rudder? or suggestions of how I might tackle the job without another expen$ive haul out?