Rudder damage 33' Hunter

[kaseplace]

My 1978 Hunter 33 bottomed out in a storm and has bent the rudder just enough it won't cross the "princess fairing" (I believe it's called). I can only go left. Was able to bend down enough to get it almost straight, but still not right. I need to sail it or be towed about 10 miles for lift out in a week.

I read the post of backing into shallow water to bend it back...tempting, but it's rather rocky where we keep it. If I loosen the packing and compression nuts will I be able to lower the shaft just enough to give clearance of the fairing or will the rudder simple drop out. Is the height adjustable at all or does it fit into a groove or ring int he compression fitting?
Thanks
Dave

 

[xcyz]

The compression nut is going to be difficult to turn but if you can crack it and if your towing the boat you may want to just drop the rudder all together. This in its self is not simple while the boat is in the water as most blades are buoyant and float.

 

[AXEL]

This is what happen when I backed into a shallow and caught a gust of wind. I'd suggest hauling the boat, dropping the rudder and have a pro straighten. Do you have insurance? BoatUS paid me full for this remove & replace.

 

[sandpiper10471]

I had one of these once and am trying to remember what holds the rudder up/down besides buoyancy. Seems to me, if the stuffing box were loosened and the drive wheel cracked with the set screw loosened, the post should be able to be pushed down a bit. If memory serves, there is a keyway between the drive wheel and the post. Good luck!

 

[Warren Milberg]

I'm not sure I'd trust a boat in a blow that had a bent rudder stock that was re-bent to straighten it. I would talk to your insurance company about having the rudder replaced.

 

[capta]

Are you asking about getting the rudder amidships for the tow to the yard? It seems to me most replies missed this if this indeed your concern.
I wouldn't worry too much if you are using a professional tow. Most boats won't tow straight anyway (without a helmsman) and if informed of the problem the tow boat will manage, though he may come to hate your boat in the intervening ten miles of towing.
In any event discuss it w/ the tow captain and you might not have to do anything before you haul out.
Good luck.

 

[AXEL]

If the OP is worried about towing, see my post 4 up (photo) with bent, cracked rudder. I motored the boat like that using my emergency (shorty) tiller (wheel steering cables were damaged as well) for approx 3 hours to the yard where it was hauled. It steered fine.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would let the insurance company worry about the tow and the repair. They'll probably side tow it anyway.