Rudder removal / question

[RichJ]

Today I attempted to remove the rudder on my 1979 O'Day 27, I removed the 3 bolts on the tiller attachment, nothing. Should I attempt to spread it apart? I sprayed some penetrating oil on it to sit overnight, but before I do something I may be sorry for, I thought I'd ask if anyone else had a similarproblem and what was the final outcome.thanksRichJ

 

[Ken]

rudder removal

On my O'Day 25,to remove the rudder from the boat, you must move tiller all the way to port or starboard before you lift it up & off the gudgeons in order to clear the stern. The rudder, when centered, extends under the stern stopping any upwards movement.While your working on the rudder, check for cracks in the gudgeons.

 

[RichJ]

additional info.

the 1979 O'Day 27 has a spade rudder, which the rudder post is inside a pipe or tube from the hull to @ 8" above the cockpit sole