Rudder bearing

[Gary Green]

I have a 27 O'Day with tiller steering. During the last haul-out I noticed that the rudder had significant play in the bearing sleeve. I removed the rudder, but did not find any sign of a bearing/bushing. Did the 27come with any type of wear bushing.Gary Green

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Bearing

Gary -I've never been inside the rudder tube of a 27, so I don't know how they were equipped from the factory. It shouldn't be hard to tell though. If you look and there is no bushing, then it should also be a simple matter to add one to take up the slack. Make sure though that you're issue is not a thinning shaft due to electrolysis. A client's Pearson did that to us.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Mike]

Similar Problem

I have the same boat and the same problem -- I unfortunately noticed after I launched the boat

 

[Jim Cook]

Excessive play also...

My 1974 O'27 also has a little more play in the tiller than I like. Since this is my first boat, I don't know how much is expected. I'm anxious to hear other responses.Jim CookDream Chaser