Rudder is loose

[sailin12]

I have a 25 Hunter and recently the rudder vertical tube has up/ down play. Does anyone have a clue on what needs tightening or a manual picture by some chance? Any help would be appreciated .

 

[KennyH]

Mine does the same

My 25 is a 1981 model and it does move maybe 1/2 inch up or down. Has never been a problem in the 5 years I have owned the boat. I believe on mine you can push it down but it normal is in the up position meaning the rudder is lighter than the water it is in. If rudder became water saturated in might settle in the down position. The collar which I replaced could be moved to take out all the slack. This would require redrilling the shaft hole the collar is attached or bolted on as an assembly. I replaced my collar when I purchase the boat as it was cracked and only half was left.

 

[KennyH]

Maybe your collar is missing.

I am not sure if maybe sailin was missing the collar completely which would allow the rudder to move up and down to the tiller attachment. If the collar was missing that would be a problem. Mine was all in pieces after 20 years in the sun. If there is a hole in the shaft that is where the collar is attached with a very long bolt. The bolt goes through the shaft and collar to hold the collar in place. I have an extra collar if someone might need it.