rudder spacer/bearing???

[Jack Mace]

79 30' - My rudder is floating up and rubbing on the hull. There doesn't seem to be anything in the system to restrain it. At the top of the tube there is a block of plywood - no support and no bearing evidence. Does anyone know if there was some sort of spacer clamped about the rudder stock where it enters the hull? Could there have been some type of top bearing at the end of the tube where the emergency tiller drops in? Any help appreciated....... Thanks! Jack

 

[Gene Gruender]

Not on my 37 cutter

There were none on my 37 Cutter. I made some roller bearing so take care of that problem.

 

[Tom]

Repair Bearings

There is no "spacer" on my H310. I think your bearings may be worn and if you fix that problem it may solve the other. You may be able to "inject" new bearing surfaces using the West System. It basically involves injecting an epoxy/graphite/silica powder mixture into the old bearing surfaces. You have to drop your rudder first and wax the shaft so it will release after the epoxy is set. This tightens every thing up and should get rid of that float. Tom

 

[Tom Hadoulias]

Check the photo forum...

Check the photo/project forum, I just did a rudder rebuild on my 37C and I had the same problem. The bushing that I added will get a spacer to prevent the rudder from dropping and I reversed the bushing up top as a thrust bearing to keep it from riding too high and rubbing against the bottom of the boat. Strengthened the entire assembly without dropping the rudder or hauling the boat. Ultimately I will inject graphite epoxy into the rudder log as well to complete the system. I did this to facilitate a loose rudder and stabilize the assembly to add a below deck auto pilot. I hope this helps as I believe all the Cherubini's are similar.Tom HadouliasS/V Lite Chop

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Simple Fix!

I noticed the same problem on my 1980 Hunter 30'. When the boat is in the water, the rudder seems to "float" up about 1/4+" and grinds against the hull around the rudder post. I took a large flat lid from a plastic bucket, # 2 (white) Plastic and made a donut shaped gasket. For my boat, the gasket had an OD of 4.25" and an ID of 2.5". I made a radial cut through the gasket and twisted it onto the rudder post in the space between the rudder and the hull. Using a flat wooden blade, I add Teflon or water resistant wheel bearing grease to the gasket each spring before launch. The thing has been in place for seven years now and holds up nicely.