rudder removal

[steven f]

Bent my prop shaft the other night (0120 hours to be exact) and now that the boat is up on blocks in a yard I realize the rudder will probably need to come off to get the shaft off. I'm not thrilled about taking off the strut but I'm also not thrilled with removing the rudder. I've heard many H33's have leaky rudder stuffing boxes, mine is sound, zero rust and no water makes it in through the rudder shaft. In other words, I'd hate to screw up something that works so well. I'm looking for any words of wisdom from other H33 owners who've had to remove their prop shaft and/or their rudder. While I'm at it I'll replace the cutless bearing and probably a couple of engine mounts along with a new bottom job, what the hell, hauling the boat is a traumatic job.

 

[Tim Schaaf]

strut your stuff!

Taking the strut off is no big deal. If you have the original wood backing block, you might be able to replace it with a new one, or even something better. Since you are changing mounts, you'll probably wind up having to align your engine anyway. And, if the cutlass bearing is stubborn, you may find it easier to work on when the strut is out. While you are at it, have you thought of putting on a line cutter? I use "Spurs", and consider them a good safety item. In addition, they just mow through kelp, which is greatly attracted to the very exposed prop on the 33

 

[steven f]

spurs

No Kelp in SW Fla but we can walk across the lobster and crab traps this time of year. Do Spurs work on line pretty well and what do they cost? While I'm on the cost issue, what does a new strut cost??? Sounds like pulling the strut may be the best way.

 

[Ben Braden]

Just took mine out

I had to replace the carrier strut on mine and had to remove the rudder. I was an intense job of cutting, torching and swearing but I've all new parts back there now. What i would recomend is glassing in the rudder post box after your reinstalled as I broke mine loose when I took my rudder out and had a tremendous leak when the boat went back in.

 

[Steven Buck]

No Need to Remove

I removed my prop shaft on my 1980 H33 while doing a cutlass bearing replacement and found that the rudder con be flexed to the starboard just enough to allow the shaft to be pulled out. I also have a set of Spur cutters on my shaft and have found that sailing in "Maine Lobster Trap Heaven" that the Spurs are quite effective.