O'Day 31 Rudder Replacement

[Dan3121]

Has anyone replaced the rudder on a '31 while in the water? My rudder sheared off and I can get a replacement from Ruddercraft but no boatyards nearby will do the labor, or allow me to do the labor in the yard.

I have scuba gear and Ruddercraft says then new rudder is neutrally, maybe slightly negatively, buoyant.

The boat looks like it's designed so that the opening of the shaft through which the rudder post passes is above the waterline. And, I'm assuming I'd have water in the boat by now if I'm wrong, but I don't want to try to take the piece of the old shaft out without being sure.

My plan is to tie a line to the bar for the emergency tiller, unbolt the steering quadrants and through bolt, drive the old post out, tie the line to the emergency tiller bar on the new post and guide it in from underwater while someone pulls the line from above.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sanfelice]

I think it can be done in the water. I believe you will need to drill the holes for the cross bolt. I would recommend using a machine shop for this.

 

[Dan3121]

I think it can be done in the water. I believe you will need to drill the holes for the cross bolt. I would recommend using a machine shop for this.

Ruddercraft says it's not an issue to drill holes myself

 

[GeorgeC]

Dans3121....It sounds strange that your local boat yards do not want to do the replacement for you or allow you to replace it yourself. I would revisit the boatyards and explain your predicament and see if you can work something out. If they are not familiar with replacing a rudder find out if they have a list of qualified providers that they would allow on their property to do the work for you. I wish you luck and hope your able to work it out with your local yard.

 

[Richard19068]

Dan3121
What symptoms did you have before the rudder "sheared off"? Did it just go all of a sudden or was it something that seemed to build up?

 

[Hayden Watson]

When I installed my Rudder Craft rudder, I cut off the extra length and drill the hole myself. To cut the shaft, I used this carbide Sawzall blade. To drill the hole, I used a cobalt drill bit in my small benchtop drill press that I took with me. I also used cutting oil for drilling and cutting.
After cutting and drilling, I used Wichinox passivation jell to passivate the stainless. Any time that you rub any stainless part with mild steel, you activate the stainless and it will rust at that point. The Wichinox eliminates that problem.

 

[GeorgeC]

Dan3121.....Check out this discussion on the Sailboat Owners Forum.
(2) Replacing a rudder in the Water | Sailboat Owners Forums