Rudder Play

[Mike]

I've got a lot of play in my rudder & I'm unsure of how to proceed. Is it indicative of a serious problem or just annoying? Can I remove the bolt on top of the rudder tube without losing the rudder? Can I wait a until hauling out in the Fall? Is there a good chnace this rudder is going to break while I'm under sail? (1977 O'Day 27). Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Larry]

My rudder just had over-haul.

I really am no expert.With that out of the way, I can say that I removed my O'Day 192's complete rudder assembly, and checked out every piece of it.It seems as though the "play" might be caused by a missing or hollowed out metal cylinder/spacer that holds the mounting bolt for the fiberglass/wood rudder. (Your rudder may be different than mine.)Ask a technician (that knows more than me) if the rudder could be drilled larger and a larger cylinder/spacer be installed.