Anyone know if it is possible to replace a broken rudder post on a 2003 Hunter 356 with the boat in the water (in the slip)? It's apparently a rare thing to bust and we can't pull her with a crane because our lake is flooded. I will search the classifieds separately to see if I can find the part in here.
Rudder Post Broken
- Thread starter shayes914
- Start date
How did the rudder post break? Is there any structural damage other than the rudder post? What is the condition of the rudder? Have you checked the rudder linkage to the steering binnacle? Have you tried emergency steering? The rudder post is usually the most strongest piece of the steering system. You may have more problems than a broken rudder post or possibly you have another problem other than the rudder post.
Sorry to hear about this problem. I think you will have to replace the whole rudder assembly. You can buy one on the Hunter Owners web site.
It would be wise to haul the boat and inspect for any other damage.
It is probably a composite rudder stock so corrosion would not be the cause, that really only leaves impact damage.
A stainless steel stock bends and you know you have a problem. The composite stock can take multiple strikes before failure.
Good luck, Bob
It would be wise to haul the boat and inspect for any other damage.
It is probably a composite rudder stock so corrosion would not be the cause, that really only leaves impact damage.
A stainless steel stock bends and you know you have a problem. The composite stock can take multiple strikes before failure.
Good luck, Bob
I agree with Bob. A haul out with a full inspection is your best option to fully assess the damage. It could ultimately be even a more expensive repair if you do not haul it out for a full inspection.
You need to have, at a minimum, a thorough inspection below the water and one above of the hull and steering gear - this is the only 356 rudder failure I've heard of and I would think other damage is likely.
You need to replace the rudder and shaft - it's one assembly - available here.
The shaft on a 356 is stainless Steel and very robust. It's also short, so I think you could do it in the water and the rudder tube should be long enough to keep water out of the boat, You'll need to be ingenious to get the buoyant rudder under water and straight as you insert the shaft into the bearings and tube
You need to replace the rudder and shaft - it's one assembly - available here.
The shaft on a 356 is stainless Steel and very robust. It's also short, so I think you could do it in the water and the rudder tube should be long enough to keep water out of the boat, You'll need to be ingenious to get the buoyant rudder under water and straight as you insert the shaft into the bearings and tube