Rudder Removal

[Mike M.]

I need to remove the rudder from my 1985 C27. It looks pretty simple, but I don't want to take anything for granted. Do I need to remove the bolts out of the stuffing box? Do I need to do anything with the big wheel that is hooked to the wheel helm?Thanks for any help.MikeSlip N Away

 

[DON]

Yes-Yes-Why?

I have never done it, but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express once. I have read about others that have, in case I have to someday. You would have to take the 3 bolts out of the stuffing box and pull the collar up. BTW, when re-installing it, only finger tight on the bolts, or enough to keep it from leaking. Over torque will break the stuffing box out of the fiberglass sleeve. On my 86, the "big wheel" (I think you mean the steering bell crank) is in 2 pieces and can be removed. Just curious, why are you removing the rudder?

 

[Mike M.]

Why

Thanks for the information. I removed the rudder this evening without much problem. The reason I removed it was that you could push on the side of it and see the side move, at the same time it sounded like a sponge. There was about a gallon of water inside. I am going to have some experts take a look at and tell me what they think. The rudder was new this past August so I am somewhat concerned about its condition.Any thoughts?