While preparing to leave the Annapolis Harbor and sail home I suddenly lost all rudder function... after managing to get back into port I pulled the cover and discovered that what I was later told was my rudder shaft was sheered in half. How can this happen and how can I fix it? (do I need to pull the boat? what parts do I need? etc...). Thanks and happy sailing K
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This months Cruising World has an article on the
subject. But your picture isn't coming through.
Can you try it again?
subject. But your picture isn't coming through.
Can you try it again?Suspect
...it may have happened from cumulated stress on the wheel when turned hard-over. That is, over time the wheel is turned too far and needs to come back center-up. Probably need to pull to replace the shaft.
...it may have happened from cumulated stress on the wheel when turned hard-over. That is, over time the wheel is turned too far and needs to come back center-up. Probably need to pull to replace the shaft.
what year?
May I ask what year the boat is? I've heard that the rudder shaft is a problem on production boats.
May I ask what year the boat is? I've heard that the rudder shaft is a problem on production boats.
more details
It is a 1999 H340... the rudder has been something of an issue from the start; the first year with the boat we had to have the marina put some sort of gromet between the rudder and the hull to stop the rudder from bumping into the bottom of the boat. Also, from day one the wheel was rather difficult to turn... I'm not sure what may have caused it as there hasnt been a hard grounding in almost two years and the boat has been thoroughly maintained... anyways, I appreciate any advice anyone can give
It is a 1999 H340... the rudder has been something of an issue from the start; the first year with the boat we had to have the marina put some sort of gromet between the rudder and the hull to stop the rudder from bumping into the bottom of the boat. Also, from day one the wheel was rather difficult to turn... I'm not sure what may have caused it as there hasnt been a hard grounding in almost two years and the boat has been thoroughly maintained... anyways, I appreciate any advice anyone can give
Just to keep this thread active and not let it
slip out of sight, I'll add the following; first do the obvious and rattle Hunters' cage. I can't see how putting a stop on the hull so that the RUDDER hits it, will do anything but lead to damage. The stop system is internal on pedestal steered boats. The rudder shouldn't hit anything. And the rudder should never contact the hull and the steering should be nice and easy; little or no drag when the boat's not moving. Sorry, generic information for sure, but I don't have one of your boats. But lots of viewer here do. Just need to keep this thread active,,,,,
slip out of sight, I'll add the following; first do the obvious and rattle Hunters' cage. I can't see how putting a stop on the hull so that the RUDDER hits it, will do anything but lead to damage. The stop system is internal on pedestal steered boats. The rudder shouldn't hit anything. And the rudder should never contact the hull and the steering should be nice and easy; little or no drag when the boat's not moving. Sorry, generic information for sure, but I don't have one of your boats. But lots of viewer here do. Just need to keep this thread active,,,,,
As soon as I bought mine...
...I installed upper and lowwer zerk grease fitings into the outer tube that carries the shaft. Each season I grease these fittings with Lubriplate waterproof grease(the same as I use on my Max Prop). Also the cables and chain in the pedistal, never had any binding and in 12 years have zero rudder shaft play. I recommend this to everyone with an inboard rudder.
...I installed upper and lowwer zerk grease fitings into the outer tube that carries the shaft. Each season I grease these fittings with Lubriplate waterproof grease(the same as I use on my Max Prop). Also the cables and chain in the pedistal, never had any binding and in 12 years have zero rudder shaft play. I recommend this to everyone with an inboard rudder.
K, where on the shaft did it shear
Can you sort of annotate your photo. Is that the stearing gear/arm in view?
Can you sort of annotate your photo. Is that the stearing gear/arm in view?
Greasey Alan more please
Alan, Your grease zerks sounds like a good idea. Can you post a picture of your grease fittings?
Alan, Your grease zerks sounds like a good idea. Can you post a picture of your grease fittings?
thanx and more info
First, thanks for the responses... the shaft sheared right where it connects to the steering arm sleeve (the metal cylinder in the pic I provided that connects to the helm)- as a guesstimate I'd say that the shaft sheared almost exactly at the center. As for Hunter they are quite adimant that any damage to any of the steering parts is due to misuse or neglect (which is rediculous seeing as the boat is maintained by a marina that sells and services only Hunter boats, and the boat has been through about 100 daysails since the last grounding)...
First, thanks for the responses... the shaft sheared right where it connects to the steering arm sleeve (the metal cylinder in the pic I provided that connects to the helm)- as a guesstimate I'd say that the shaft sheared almost exactly at the center. As for Hunter they are quite adimant that any damage to any of the steering parts is due to misuse or neglect (which is rediculous seeing as the boat is maintained by a marina that sells and services only Hunter boats, and the boat has been through about 100 daysails since the last grounding)...
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