Rudder condition

[Phil]

I purchased my 1981 Hunter 30 last fall and have enjoyed sailing it all this season. The boat is in great condition, almost perfect. The one thing I had to do was refasten the skeg to the hull, It was loose. I later found out why. I re-bedded a new bushing in the bottom of the skeg for the pin on the bottom of the rudder. When I re attached the skeg to the hull, the rudder was sized tight. I removed the skeg and put a dial indicator on the rudder pin and it arched to the rear and to starboard. This leads me to believe that at some point the boat hit something with the rudder going backwards. The movement is very small (approx 3/4")but I had to remove my new bushing to allow for the play down there. Is this something serious that I should address? The boat performs great in heavy conditions and the skeg is very solid. Thanks.Phil.

 

[Charlie Gruetzner - BeneteauOwners.net]

Rudder movement

Phil, I agree with your idea that the boat hit something going backwards. I don't consider 3/4" of an inch a small amount of movement and would have some serious considerations about leaving it alone. While it may sail great now, I am afraid that the pressure on the rudder will continue to take a toll and increase the amount of movement.I would have it looked at and get some estimnates to fix it.Good luckCharlie