I have a 1981 Hunter 33 and am trying to remove the rudder for repair. I have everything unfastened except the steering quadrant whicih seems to have a death grip on the rudder post. I took the cables off and loosened the nuts but it still refuses to budge. Does anyone know how to get it loose or apart, the bolts themselves refuse to turn even after half a can of penetrating fluid. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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H-33 rudder removal
Todd ---- I have replaced my rudder on the H-33 and it really is not difficult. Did it with the boat in the water and also installed the replacement the same way. You will need to get those bolts holding the steering quadrant to come off. Don't forget that there is a key holding the quadrant in place on the rudder shaft. Once loose, the rudder will drop out the bottom. The rudder floats but I would still tie a line on it to be safe. The top of the rudder shaft tube is about the same level as the water outside; so you need to put a plug in the top to keep water from coming in. Alternatively, you can flood the anchor well which will raise the stern sufficiently. Good luck, Henry
Todd ---- I have replaced my rudder on the H-33 and it really is not difficult. Did it with the boat in the water and also installed the replacement the same way. You will need to get those bolts holding the steering quadrant to come off. Don't forget that there is a key holding the quadrant in place on the rudder shaft. Once loose, the rudder will drop out the bottom. The rudder floats but I would still tie a line on it to be safe. The top of the rudder shaft tube is about the same level as the water outside; so you need to put a plug in the top to keep water from coming in. Alternatively, you can flood the anchor well which will raise the stern sufficiently. Good luck, Henry
Thanks for the info, the boat is in a cradle for the winter so I'm redoing the entire bottom and repairing the rudder. Where is the "key" located that you mention. I loosened the two packing nuts and then the collar on the cross piece above them. There was also a hose clamp on there for some reason that is now removed. Any hints on getting the bolts loose. I was thinking of heating them but not much room for error so there must be a better way.
Rudder stuffing box photo forum
Most important about dropping your rudder when on the hard: Dig a hole! The rudder is too long to slip out for removal. You need to dig a hole under it to get enough room. I dropped the rudder on my previous boat, a 1981 H33, and had some photos posted on this site. I am afraid that I cannot find them now. There seems to be several ways to search the forums, archives, etc. I did come up with one however; instructions for the repacking the rudder stuffing box. You can find the link by clicking below. Hope that helps a bit.
Most important about dropping your rudder when on the hard: Dig a hole! The rudder is too long to slip out for removal. You need to dig a hole under it to get enough room. I dropped the rudder on my previous boat, a 1981 H33, and had some photos posted on this site. I am afraid that I cannot find them now. There seems to be several ways to search the forums, archives, etc. I did come up with one however; instructions for the repacking the rudder stuffing box. You can find the link by clicking below. Hope that helps a bit.
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