Rudder Post & Bearing Issues 1984 Hunter 34

[bman]

Hello All-
After being told that there was lateral movement with the rudder on my H34 and that the Bearing needed to be replaced,
I've had the rudder removed to replace the bearing. Unfortunately, while many people have tried to be helpful no one I've been in contact with has been able to provide any protocol or advice to replace the bearing, which to my eye is just a plastic (Nylon, Delrin, etc.) tube glued in to the rudder tube. Additionally, I've measured the OD of the Rudderpost & the ID of the Rudder Tube and they differ by 1.1mm or .045".
I may be mistaken but that doesn't seem like enough to cause significant rudder play. Anyone have any experience or information on this issue?
Thx-

 

[jssailem]

@bman
Send a pm to SBO @Dave Groshong he can connect you with the former Hunter staff that offer personal consultation here on SBO. They have the technical info that you ask. They built the boats.

 

[jssailem]

I've measured the OD of the Rudderpost & the ID of the Rudder Tube and they differ by 1.1mm or .045".
I may be mistaken but that doesn't seem like enough to cause significant rudder play.

While that measurement in a stagnant status seems insignificant, when you apply the leveraged forces exerted on the rudder while sailing, it could be enough to exhibit rudder slop.

 

[bman]

Thanx, will do....

 

[kloudie1]

If the top bearing is loose, it would cause a bunch of movement at the bottom of the rudder. The top bearing is in the lazarette floor .. check that out as well. I think that the lower bearing is teflon since nylon and some other plastics will swell and lock the rudder if used there. Another thing to check is the fit of the bearing in the hull. A friend's boat had a good bit of rudder play and we found thet the bearing had been turning in its fiberglass fit and had worn the glass so the bearing was loose in the hull fit but OK on the rudder shaft fit..

 

[bman]

Thanx Kloudie....

It apears to me that the 'bearing' is just a cylindrical sleeve that is attached to the rudder tube. It is in solid and shows no sign of movement. I will check on the upper bearings once I put the rudder back in the boat. I have measured their ID and it is similar to the difference on the lower bearing & rudder tube, about 1mm. I am trying not to have to cut out the old 'bearing' (sleeve) as I think it will just be opening a very Large Can of Worms...

 

[kloudie1]

Yup, best to not fix what isn't broken.. I helped a friend replace the lower bearing (bushing/sleeve) on a Deerfoot several years ago (rudder post diameter is about 8") and it was no picnic.. special two part glue is necessary to glue the Teflon into the fiberglass..
In your rear cabin, at the base of the rudder tube, you can see the larger diameter where the bushing fit is.. Some H-34 folks have reported a loose top bearing from the mounting screws loosening in the lazarette floor. That top bearing has a thrust bearing with it that kepsthe rudder from falling out. I have never had the pleasure to measure my clearance, but .045 sounds a bit much. I would think 15 -20 thousandths would be about right?

 

[Terry Cox]

Wrote an article awhile ago about Hunter brand rudder bearings much of which was provided by Hunter Marine Customer Service. That article is here: Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

 

[HalfAfloatDave]

Any pics available?

 

[Terry Cox]

Any pics available?

Sorry, but no.

 

[ice breaker]

Terry, do you have SS ruder stock or composite?

 

[Terry Cox]

Terry, do you have SS ruder stock or composite?

SS.

 

[Terry Cox]

Based upon your measurement it seems your rudder play is well within tolerance.