Rudder Bearing Woes

[Kenny Logsdon]

I have a Hunter 28.5 and the rudder has excessive lateral play. Since the boat is out of the water, I decided to take the opportunity and solve the rudder play problem. I remmoved the rudder to find out the lower rudder bearing is worn and needs replacing. I have searched the archives of this forum but cannot find any post telling how to get the lower bearing out. My question is how do you remove the lower bearing and where can you find a new one. I emailed Hunter and recieved no response. The archives I found mentioned that rudder bearings are not available through Hunter and may have to be specially made. I have a lathe and probably can make it myself but I still can't figure out how to get the old one out. I am reluctant to start grinding at my boat without a little direction first. Please help. I am certain some of you have run into this before.Thanks,KennyH 28.5 "St Somewhere"

 

[Bly Berken]

Call Eddie

Kenny -I suggest you call Eddie Breedon at Hunter Marine. I have a strong hunch he can help. His phone number is 800-771-5556 ext 3032.

 

[Doug B]

Get back to basics

I agree with the other post. Call Hunter. Email is neat but the phone is best buddy for real information and instant help. I talked to them about this last year and we ended up needing only the upper which we machined out of stainless with bronze sleeve with lube channels instead of fast wearing nylon. I was told, however that you need to split the glass around the lower. I hate doing that kind of work. you should be able to get a replacement from hunter or the company that made the rudder/post/bearings before...hunter will give you phone numbers if needed. They are great people.Happy sailing

 

[Allen]

Same Problem

Misery loves company Kenny. I found the same play in the rudder when I bought the boat at the end of 98. When I saw I had to break the glass to get that lower bearing out, I put the rudder back. I will be curious as to the solution you undertake for this one. As for a replacement bearing, a metal lathe is by far the best tool you can have. Fabricating a new one should not be a problem. Please keep the forum updated.Allen

 

[Kenny Logsdon]

I found my solution

Thanks to all who responded to this and especially thats to Eddie with Hunter. I called Eddie earlier today and he told me that my boat was manufactured with about 1/16 play in lower bearing and there is little need to do anything. He also mentioned that a cold climate may cause the bearing material to contract affecting the bore diameter of the bearing. All in all, we decided not to fix something that is not broken. I plan to just reassemble the rudder. After all, I can feel no play while sailing the boat and doesn't seem to affect peformance.