Rudder play

[Bill Caiazza]

I have rudder play. The rudder is a little loose up and down and side to side. How much is acceptible? Do the cables need adjusting?

 

[Paul Akers]

Rudder Bearing

It could be your rudder bearing. This would be similar to a cutless bearing, only vertical. There should be no play in the bearing. Another sign would be if you can move your rudder laterally, back and forth, or get "thunking" on certain points of sail as the boat pitches.If this is the case, the nylon "collar" has to be replace.The work entails dropping the rudder and replacing the bearing. (obviously while the boat is out of the water).Also check the retaining bolt at the top of the rudder stock in the center of the quadrant.

 

[Alex]

I'd replaced the bearings..

..on my 94-95 29.5 3 years ago ; the synptoms are the same .These bearings are actually a set of 2 Derelin (a high grade marine ;plastics') sleaves ,holding the rudder post at two separate points/levels .A smaller diameter one for the higher place and a bigger one ( and the one taking most of the stress and wear) at the lowest part of rudder stock , just at the point when it exit the hull.Don't delay this work ! The play will quickly get worse.You might try to get original replacement from Hunter in advance , if available , since these are probably custom made parts .I had to machined mine locally from the older ones as template. If you do that , made more then one set for future needs.My impresion is that they last less than metal ones , altough they have their benefits.On my occasion , I had also to rebuild their receptive place in hull ( the lower one only), a GRP work affair , better done by proffesionals.