I have a ODay 27 (1979) with a skegged rudder, I have noticed a bit of play on the tiller (more than normal) it seems that the bushings that center the rudder shaft in the rudder log have broken down, causing the 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 I) get replacement bushings? or do I have to have them made up at a machine shop? your direction and/or advice is welcomed. thanks RichJ
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Couple of Suggestions..
..I think Harken makes rudder bearing systems as does Edson. Also, the folks who have the epoxy kits (Grudgeon?) have a kit for rudders also. I suspect this is a stock item that others may have a better answer for, but you do have options. Rick D.
..I think Harken makes rudder bearing systems as does Edson. Also, the folks who have the epoxy kits (Grudgeon?) have a kit for rudders also. I suspect this is a stock item that others may have a better answer for, but you do have options. Rick D.
A little more information please..
Rich, Does your rudder post come out of the deck through a metal exit plate? If so, check to see if the hole is worn or if it is supposed to have a plastic bearing that has worn away. If this is the case, let me know. I modified the plate on my boat and inserted a reinforced nylon bearing which removed all play from my rudder post. These bearings are inexpensive and commerically available. JPF
Rich, Does your rudder post come out of the deck through a metal exit plate? If so, check to see if the hole is worn or if it is supposed to have a plastic bearing that has worn away. If this is the case, let me know. I modified the plate on my boat and inserted a reinforced nylon bearing which removed all play from my rudder post. These bearings are inexpensive and commerically available. JPF
Bearing replacement
I replaced the rudder bearings on my 1978 O'Day 27. There are top and bottom bearings turned from UHMW Polyethelyene. The one at the top just dropped into the top of the rudder tube and had a collar to keep it from dropping into the rudder tube. A couple of sheetmetal screws through the rudder tube held it in place. The bottom bearing didn't have a collar and I couldn't figure out how to get the old bearing out. I found that I could slide the new lower bearing all the way down inside the rudder tube from the top so that it sat on top of the old worn bearning. Worked great for ten more years until I sold the boat. The easy part for me was buying the bearings from O'Day. It shouldn't be a big deal, however, to have a machine shop fabricate these for you. All you need is the inside diameter of the rudder tube and the outside diameter of the rudder shaft. The machine shop can help you with clearances/tolerances.
I replaced the rudder bearings on my 1978 O'Day 27. There are top and bottom bearings turned from UHMW Polyethelyene. The one at the top just dropped into the top of the rudder tube and had a collar to keep it from dropping into the rudder tube. A couple of sheetmetal screws through the rudder tube held it in place. The bottom bearing didn't have a collar and I couldn't figure out how to get the old bearing out. I found that I could slide the new lower bearing all the way down inside the rudder tube from the top so that it sat on top of the old worn bearning. Worked great for ten more years until I sold the boat. The easy part for me was buying the bearings from O'Day. It shouldn't be a big deal, however, to have a machine shop fabricate these for you. All you need is the inside diameter of the rudder tube and the outside diameter of the rudder shaft. The machine shop can help you with clearances/tolerances.
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