Haul out time will soon be on us and I have added "Check the Rudder" to my job jar, but I don't really know what I should be looking for. For example, how does one when check or test the rudder bearings/bushings? Or the rudder stock? What other things should be checked? If the bearings/bushings need to be replaced, where does one purchase them? Is this a "do it yourself" job, or should I call in an "expert"? Our boat is a Hunter 430. Suggestions, comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
Rudder Maintenance
- Thread starter Peter Milne
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Checking the Rudder
When the boat is out of the water, grab the rudder ad try to move it side-to-side and fore-and-aft. If there is some slack or "give", such as when checking a cutless bearing, then you may have a worm rudder bearing. Since the boat if fairly new, check with Hunter for the part. If not, check with Foss Foam in FL. They may point you in the right direction to get one. For my '88 Legend 37 I had to have it custom-made. To replace the bearing, you would have to drop the rudder. From this point, I would seek boat yard advise wether you should even try to undertake the jb yourself.
When the boat is out of the water, grab the rudder ad try to move it side-to-side and fore-and-aft. If there is some slack or "give", such as when checking a cutless bearing, then you may have a worm rudder bearing. Since the boat if fairly new, check with Hunter for the part. If not, check with Foss Foam in FL. They may point you in the right direction to get one. For my '88 Legend 37 I had to have it custom-made. To replace the bearing, you would have to drop the rudder. From this point, I would seek boat yard advise wether you should even try to undertake the jb yourself.
One other thing to look for
For a lot of rudders the weakest point is sometimes the attachment from the rudder blade to the rudder stock. With the wheel in the locked position, work the rudder back & forth with your hands. There should be no "play" between the rudder blade & the stock. If the rudder blade moves & the stock is stationary it might be worth looking into. Like the previous post says, calling Hunter for advise wouldn't be a bad idea. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull #632
For a lot of rudders the weakest point is sometimes the attachment from the rudder blade to the rudder stock. With the wheel in the locked position, work the rudder back & forth with your hands. There should be no "play" between the rudder blade & the stock. If the rudder blade moves & the stock is stationary it might be worth looking into. Like the previous post says, calling Hunter for advise wouldn't be a bad idea. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull #632
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