Rudder Problems
- Thread starter Pishon
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Yes, but where first? In the water or on the hard? You need at least five feet of drop space. It can be done in nine feet of water, over a big hole, or using a travel hoist as I did.
Only two things keep the rudder from going straight out the bottom. Well three if your rudder floats.
First there is the removal of the steering radial wheel. Loosen and remove the steering cables first. Then the bolts that clamp the two halves together(pictured). Finally a bolt through the middle of the rudder stock.
Now all that is holding the rudder in is that collar on top of the plastic bearing. With something to provide lift under the rudder(I used a scissors jack) remove that collar. The rudder is ready to slide out.
Only two things keep the rudder from going straight out the bottom. Well three if your rudder floats.
First there is the removal of the steering radial wheel. Loosen and remove the steering cables first. Then the bolts that clamp the two halves together(pictured). Finally a bolt through the middle of the rudder stock.
Now all that is holding the rudder in is that collar on top of the plastic bearing. With something to provide lift under the rudder(I used a scissors jack) remove that collar. The rudder is ready to slide out.
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Thanks Ed. She is on the hard. I have 2 issues: First is the rudder is leaking where it comes through the hull. Second, the rudder itself is in very bad shape. It was shortened many years ago and I think water has gotten in through the bottom of the rudder.
Waterlogged rudders are the norm on old boats. You can drill a row of 3/8" holes at an upward angle. I used to do two rows, one about six inches from the bottom and another row about mid-rudder. Before the spring launch I would fill with an epoxy putty.
There are two sources of leaks back there. Obviously the stuffing box. But if the boat has been grounded you might have some cracks. I discovered those when I had the rudder out for a rebuild(bent rudder stock). First picture is stuffing box, second is of the cracks.
There are two sources of leaks back there. Obviously the stuffing box. But if the boat has been grounded you might have some cracks. I discovered those when I had the rudder out for a rebuild(bent rudder stock). First picture is stuffing box, second is of the cracks.
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Now Ed, if you had the deeper draft model, your rudder would have been fine. A little lead grinding and filler is way easier than dropping a rudder and then glassing in such a confined area.
Not sure I agree Bill. I have done both and that keel is no fun. You can't take it home or work on it standing up. Just finished fairing and barrier-coating it this summer.
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You are right, Ed. Working under the boat is no fun. Shallow draft boats I find worse for bottom work because of the lack of hight. The only ones that don't involve a lot of crouching are those with 7+ ft. draft. The only point I was trying to make, Ed, is that with the deeper draft there is less chance of dinging the rudder. Being able to take it home is a plus, I must admit.
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