Rudder bearings Hunter310

[SeaSaw]

Hi,

I bought my Hunter 310 last year. I knew the rudder had a bit of play and got a bit more knocked off the price to get it fixed. I took the tiller arm off and give that a refurb as it wasn't greatly looked after and had seized bolts (no anti-seized/Duralac)...

So finally on the to bearings, where I am right now is trying to find replacements and any info of what it looks like down there. I currently can't dig down to free the rudder so waiting until Monday for a lift to get it out.

If anyone know's how to go about getting replacement bearings for a Hunter 310 and how to replace them I would really appreciate any help on this.

I am from the UK, so SEASAW (the 310) I'm guess was constructed here but parts shipped from the USA.

Thanks
Jay

 

[Dan_Y]

Greetings Jay-
I replaced the upper bearing on our boat last year. Some of the older boats (my '91 30) and others had simple UHMW plastic donut bearings that held the rudder tube steady within the rudder log, while the steering drive quadrant holds the rudder in the boat. The upper and lower bearings were the same and were 3.75 O.D. by 2 or 3 inches tall. They were drilled a few thousands larger than the post. They were bonded in with 5200. Assuming you have this type, you drive them out or cut them out. Typically the lower bearing wears more than the top I was told, but mine was okay. My rudder had almost 3/8 inch side play at the drive wheel, but it turns out it was because the top bearing was made to pop out of the fiberglass rudder log when you drag the rudder. Apparently to PO did that and my surveyor missed it. Anyway, just have them made there if you have this type. I don't believe Hunter makes them. Use UHMW plastic because it is dimensionally stable when wet. If you have real bearings, never mind everything above. I can send you a few drawings I found on the hunter site for reference if you find you have the plastic bearings. One odd thing was that I had to make the opening below the drive wheel about an inch in diameter larger to get to the upper bearing.
Dan

 

[SeaSaw]

HI Dan, yeah looks to be just nylon donut bearings. The top bearing popped right out, lovely, send us anything you have on it. My email is Rocket029@hotmail.com

Cheers
Jay

 

[Dan_Y]

Will dig it up and send to you on Monday Jay.
Dan

 

[Dave Groshong]

You should be able to source them at TidesMarine.com

 

[Dave Groshong]

https://www.tidesmarine.com/tides-marine/rudder-bearings