I have a ODay 27 (1979) with a skegged rudder, I have noticed a bit of play on the tiller (a bit more than normal) it seems that the bushing that centers the rudder shaft in the rudder log has broken down, causing play. It is not an emergency situation, so I feel maintenance can wait until haulout. Has anyone else had this problem, if so where did you or where can you get replacement bushings? or are they something I'll have to have made up at a machine shop? your direction and/or advice is welcomed. thanks RichJ
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Same Problem
I have the same problem -- believe it or not, tightening the apparatus where the rudder meets the tiller improved the situation significantly, even though I was skeptical. Someone else on this site men tioned puring resin down the rudder shaft, although I didn't quite get what they meannt -- maybe they'll post again in greater detail.
I have the same problem -- believe it or not, tightening the apparatus where the rudder meets the tiller improved the situation significantly, even though I was skeptical. Someone else on this site men tioned puring resin down the rudder shaft, although I didn't quite get what they meannt -- maybe they'll post again in greater detail.
Rudder play response
Hello, I just purchased a 1975 27 II and have the same problem. on my boat the bushings are plastic. I'm going to locate some pvc drain pipe of the proper inside and outside dimensions and use that for bushings. If you were to pour resin into the shaft you might want to cover a piece of tubing the same outside diameter as your rudder shaft with a coat of navel jelly (vaseline) before you pour or maybe wax paper? I'd experiment first you dont want to seize your rudder shaft in the rudder log
Hope this helps Using2@hotmail.com
Hello, I just purchased a 1975 27 II and have the same problem. on my boat the bushings are plastic. I'm going to locate some pvc drain pipe of the proper inside and outside dimensions and use that for bushings. If you were to pour resin into the shaft you might want to cover a piece of tubing the same outside diameter as your rudder shaft with a coat of navel jelly (vaseline) before you pour or maybe wax paper? I'd experiment first you dont want to seize your rudder shaft in the rudder log
Hope this helps Using2@hotmail.comThe resin trick
Hi, I had the same problem on my old Grampian 26. May a assume that when you go below, you can find the fiberglass tube that houses the rudder post...runs from the hull to the cockpit sole? You can check with West Systems for the details, but here's what they used to recommend: With the boat out of the water, make a mixture of resin and mix it with some graphite (I believe they supply this, too). Drill some holes in the fiberglass rudder tube. Using a West syringe, filled with your resin and graphite mix, inject the entire contents of the syringe in to the drilled holes. The epoxy mix totally fills the void between the rudder post and the fiberglass tube. Let is cure....completely. As soon as it's cleared, take hold of your tiller and break it loose. It's the graphite that allows it to snap free. Now, your rudder post is riding in a graphite lubed, custom fitted tube/bearing with NO play. See West for details. Hope this helps...West will say if it's still their recommended procedure. Blake
Hi, I had the same problem on my old Grampian 26. May a assume that when you go below, you can find the fiberglass tube that houses the rudder post...runs from the hull to the cockpit sole? You can check with West Systems for the details, but here's what they used to recommend: With the boat out of the water, make a mixture of resin and mix it with some graphite (I believe they supply this, too). Drill some holes in the fiberglass rudder tube. Using a West syringe, filled with your resin and graphite mix, inject the entire contents of the syringe in to the drilled holes. The epoxy mix totally fills the void between the rudder post and the fiberglass tube. Let is cure....completely. As soon as it's cleared, take hold of your tiller and break it loose. It's the graphite that allows it to snap free. Now, your rudder post is riding in a graphite lubed, custom fitted tube/bearing with NO play. See West for details. Hope this helps...West will say if it's still their recommended procedure. Blake
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