The rudder on my 303 must be removed. The rudder post appears to have a metal wedge/pin that prevents it from dropping through the steering cable wheel. Is there a special tool for removing that pin or can anyone give advice on how to remove it? Is there a rudder shop in Queens, NY or vicinity?
Rudder Problems
- Thread starter WalterM
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rudder problems response
I just did this operation today. I had to heat the "pin" and tap on it a lot with a hammer. Although it was pretty well rusted in the key race on the side of the rudder post, the marine equivalent of WD-40 and the heat from a propane torch finally convinced it that I meant business and it gave up and moved. Then I pried it out the rest of the way with a screwdriver. Before I did anything I made sure that the rudder was supported from below so that the brass tiller block on the top of the rudder post wasn't resting on anything. It should go without saying that this is a dry land operation.
I just did this operation today. I had to heat the "pin" and tap on it a lot with a hammer. Although it was pretty well rusted in the key race on the side of the rudder post, the marine equivalent of WD-40 and the heat from a propane torch finally convinced it that I meant business and it gave up and moved. Then I pried it out the rest of the way with a screwdriver. Before I did anything I made sure that the rudder was supported from below so that the brass tiller block on the top of the rudder post wasn't resting on anything. It should go without saying that this is a dry land operation.
Thanks for the advice.
I'm sorry you had the same problem, and thank you for putting me on the right track. You have saved me the concern of whether I was proceding in the right direction. Again, thanks.
I'm sorry you had the same problem, and thank you for putting me on the right track. You have saved me the concern of whether I was proceding in the right direction. Again, thanks.
Thanks again Dusty
Dusty - did you find someone local to make the repair to the rudder & post, or did you have to send it out somewhere? Walter
Dusty - did you find someone local to make the repair to the rudder & post, or did you have to send it out somewhere? Walter
You're welcome Walter
There is an excellent one man machine shop in this area, Seacoast Machine and Fabrication, 245 Spruce Head Road, South Thomaston, Maine. John Kaz......(long Polish name) but he responds to John, or Kaz. He's tops in my book - one of my few experiences where the final bill was less than the estimate.
There is an excellent one man machine shop in this area, Seacoast Machine and Fabrication, 245 Spruce Head Road, South Thomaston, Maine. John Kaz......(long Polish name) but he responds to John, or Kaz. He's tops in my book - one of my few experiences where the final bill was less than the estimate.
You'r welcome Walter - addendum
By the way, the rudder and post was not my main problem. The propeller shaft pulled out of the coupling on the transmission and both shaft and coupling need work. But I couldn't draw the shaft all the way out without first dropping the rudder. I have a Columbia 8.7 in case you need to visualize what I am talking about. I am glad it's the way it is, otherwise I would have lost the shaft and propeller altogether and probably sunk but for rudder blocking that awe-ful scenario.
By the way, the rudder and post was not my main problem. The propeller shaft pulled out of the coupling on the transmission and both shaft and coupling need work. But I couldn't draw the shaft all the way out without first dropping the rudder. I have a Columbia 8.7 in case you need to visualize what I am talking about. I am glad it's the way it is, otherwise I would have lost the shaft and propeller altogether and probably sunk but for rudder blocking that awe-ful scenario.
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