I have a 1986 Oday 272 (converted to Edson wheel steering)
Due to massive leaks at the lower rudder hinge pin receiving bracket, I'm forced to re-bed that through-transom fixture. It's an odious job, since it requires the movement of the fuel tank, behind which hide the three nuts holding the bracket. I've removed the bracket and have two questions before I re-bed it:
1. I know the 272 deck is balsa-cored, and the hull is "solid" fiberglass. But what of the transom? It seems quite thick and if balsa-cored, I'd need to remove rotted core and fill with epoxy prior to re-bed. If solid, I could just re-bed. Anyone familiar with the 272's transom construction details?
2. The bracket is of a +-shaped design in that it is made up of two pieces welded together, one on top of the other at a 90 deg. angle. The center, vertical piece includes the hinge pin holes and center bolt hole while the front, horizontal piece includes the center and two outside bolt holes. This arrangement results in two vertical troughs in the back side of the bracket, one between each of the bolt holes. These troughs, 1/8" deep and 3/16" wide, divide the bracket back into three separate bedding surfaces, one at each bolt hole. I believe this design is a weak point in leak prevention in that it leaves only about one-half inch of bedding surface between the bolt shaft/hole and the exterior. Oday probably never expected this bracket to be submerged, as it's above the waterline. And at rest, it is not submerged and doesn't leak. But under way, it is always awash, especially with a following sea and constantly leaks.
I'm inclined to have the troughs in the back of the bracket filled in with stainless prior to re-bedding in order to obtain one, continuous bedding surface. Any thoughts as to whether this is worth the trouble? Anyone else have this problem? How'd you remedy it?
Thanks!
Due to massive leaks at the lower rudder hinge pin receiving bracket, I'm forced to re-bed that through-transom fixture. It's an odious job, since it requires the movement of the fuel tank, behind which hide the three nuts holding the bracket. I've removed the bracket and have two questions before I re-bed it:
1. I know the 272 deck is balsa-cored, and the hull is "solid" fiberglass. But what of the transom? It seems quite thick and if balsa-cored, I'd need to remove rotted core and fill with epoxy prior to re-bed. If solid, I could just re-bed. Anyone familiar with the 272's transom construction details?
2. The bracket is of a +-shaped design in that it is made up of two pieces welded together, one on top of the other at a 90 deg. angle. The center, vertical piece includes the hinge pin holes and center bolt hole while the front, horizontal piece includes the center and two outside bolt holes. This arrangement results in two vertical troughs in the back side of the bracket, one between each of the bolt holes. These troughs, 1/8" deep and 3/16" wide, divide the bracket back into three separate bedding surfaces, one at each bolt hole. I believe this design is a weak point in leak prevention in that it leaves only about one-half inch of bedding surface between the bolt shaft/hole and the exterior. Oday probably never expected this bracket to be submerged, as it's above the waterline. And at rest, it is not submerged and doesn't leak. But under way, it is always awash, especially with a following sea and constantly leaks.
I'm inclined to have the troughs in the back of the bracket filled in with stainless prior to re-bedding in order to obtain one, continuous bedding surface. Any thoughts as to whether this is worth the trouble? Anyone else have this problem? How'd you remedy it?
Thanks!
Last edited:
