Rudder posts siezed

[Reg Brown]

How do I free a rudder shaft siezed in the rudder tube. The top bearing is off and it does not budge.

 

[Augie Byllott]

frozen rudder

What is the composition of the tube? Is it a slip fit or are their bearings? When was the last time that the rudder 'moved'?If there are bearings, I would suspect corrosion. If it was my boat, I'd buy a gallon can of WD40 (not spray cans and some glaziers putty. I'd use the putty to make stuff into the space between the rudder stock and the bottom of the tube to make a seal. (On the outside, of course.)Next, I'd carefully pour WD40 into the top of the rudder tube until it was filled. (check for leakage on the outside at the bottom)I'd come back each day give it a try and add WD-40 as necessary to keep the tube filled.If the problem is corroded bearings, they'll eventually come around.

 

[REngel]

Rudder shaft siezed

Reg:Recently, my rudder completely fell apart (fiberglass must have cracked during the winter, & then during the 1st hard sail, the two halves fell off). As a result, I had to remove my shaft, & thus am aware at least on mine what could seize up.Do you think the problem is in the fiberglass tube or is it in the bottom collars? If it is in the steel collar, I agree with the Augie about using WD 40 or some other kind of lubricant until it penetrates the rust & corrosion. If it is in the fiberglass tube below the collar, I would guess that you might want to use a silicon spray, & then gently work the shaft back & forth until it loosens up.Good luck. By the way, in my case, I think my best solution to get a new rudder for our C & C 30 mk II is with C & C Yachts in Ohio.Cheers,Rick

 

[Renoir]

Do not use silicon spray!

Any form of silicon will contaminate fiberglass or any surface which may need future adhering to. You will have GREAT difficulty removing the contamination. If you need to re-glass or paint or adhere to any surface contaminated with silicone you will have trouble.Silicon on a boat is good for ONE THING ONLY and that is gasket material where the silicon gasket is mechanically confined. So-called silicone sealers are neither good sealers nor adhesives and fail at either miserably.