rudder post maintenance?

[Justin_NSA]

Long story short, I had to drop my rudder to remove my prop shaft. Before it goes back on, does the post need lubrication? The bushings look okay, just wondering if the post is greased or not. I don't see anything about the rudder in my literature. Thanks

 

[jibes138]

see if you have a grease fitting inside the boat for the rudder post. sometimes called a zerk fitting my boat has them to attach a grease gun so yours might have them also.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I didn't see one, but it sounds like they do take some grease

 

[Terry Cox]

I didn't see one, but it sounds like they do take some grease

Different model than yours, but Hunter used synthetic bearings in most all of their models which require no lubricate. Here is an article that I wrote awhile ago. https://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=45&aid=6617&mn=42

 

[Justin_NSA]

Thanks Terry! I do see a sleeve top and bottom. I have a slight side to side play. I think I will leave it alone for now. But it looks like a simple job when the time comes.
I'm still looking for the correct split coupling for my shaft so I put this back together!

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Justin, you are most welcome. A marine surveyor told me that when the rudder play becomes close to or out of tolerance to insert a piece of teflon sheet around the rudder post where the lower bearing is located. This will help to reduce play. I've never had a need to do this to our boat, but it does make sense.