The metal fitting that bolts onto the rudder post (and into which the tiller itself is bolted) has some play in it. It's not the rudder or the post that's the problem, but where the tiller attaches. This would indicate to me that there's been some wear in the hole the bolt passes through. Any suggestions on how to address that? I'd like to have a bit more responsive helm than I currently do. The fact that I can move the tiller, oh I'll say about 2 inches without moving the rudder makes for sloppy handling, particularly when running downwind. Thanks for any insights. Brian
Play in the tiller
- Thread starter bcwave
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Bcwave, you will have to take things apart
a little to see where and how much wear has happened. you may find that the bolt and not the hole is worn and needs only to be replaced. You are probably dealing with three holes, one in the rudder shaft and one in each side of the tiller head. If the holes are worn you may be able to drill them out to the next large size or drill them and install bushings.
a little to see where and how much wear has happened. you may find that the bolt and not the hole is worn and needs only to be replaced. You are probably dealing with three holes, one in the rudder shaft and one in each side of the tiller head. If the holes are worn you may be able to drill them out to the next large size or drill them and install bushings.
Tiller play
Drill out the hardware and install a larger bolt. Or shim it with plastic or metal tubing, thin hose works.
Drill out the hardware and install a larger bolt. Or shim it with plastic or metal tubing, thin hose works.
Been there...
I had the same symptoms in my tiller-rudder connection and repaired it two winters ago. The thru-hole in the aluminum casting that connects the tiller to the rudder stock had become enlarged over time (more oval than cylindrical). I used west system with aluminum filler to completely fill the hole, then re-drilled. A friend at our marina just repaired his; he drilled a larger hole, then installed a bushing. His repair will likely last longer than mine. I didn't think of rubber tubing; that could also work. I had an additional problem in that the new SS rudder stock was thinner-walled than the OEM aluminum stock. The inner diameter was larger, thus the tiller-rudder tailpiece was very loose inside the rudder stock. I made it a more snug fit with dielectric washers. I hauled out this past winter and intended to dis-assemble to check my repairs, but never had the chance. Good luck!
I had the same symptoms in my tiller-rudder connection and repaired it two winters ago. The thru-hole in the aluminum casting that connects the tiller to the rudder stock had become enlarged over time (more oval than cylindrical). I used west system with aluminum filler to completely fill the hole, then re-drilled. A friend at our marina just repaired his; he drilled a larger hole, then installed a bushing. His repair will likely last longer than mine. I didn't think of rubber tubing; that could also work. I had an additional problem in that the new SS rudder stock was thinner-walled than the OEM aluminum stock. The inner diameter was larger, thus the tiller-rudder tailpiece was very loose inside the rudder stock. I made it a more snug fit with dielectric washers. I hauled out this past winter and intended to dis-assemble to check my repairs, but never had the chance. Good luck!
in any case repair it now
if you will not repair it - every time wave hits your boat it will accelerate ruder for some tme and then smack case like a humer. By the end of the season whole rudder post end can be destroyed.
if you will not repair it - every time wave hits your boat it will accelerate ruder for some tme and then smack case like a humer. By the end of the season whole rudder post end can be destroyed.
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