Rudder veering on hunter 39

[SVChristine]

I get a thump every 20-30 seconds from the rudder area on my hunter 39. I had it checked out for wear by professionals when I last hauled out Feb 20. They said it was fine. It feels ok when I steer and a dive does not reveal any movement. I have taken the emergency rudder access cover off and there is about 5-10 mm movement sideways under heavy load. The thump does not coincide with autopilot changes although it does occur then too. My current thinking is that it could be the quadrant or cable hitting the underside of the deck. There is a wear spot there from the cable. The other thought is it is caused by vertical movement as it seems to coincide with cresting a sudden wave as the boat drops the thump might be the rudder hitting some bush or bearing as it lags behind in the fall.
Any thoughts. Anybody else have this issue?

John

 

[SVChristine]

That would be bearing not veering

 

[jssailem]

John
I would suggest a call to the SBO office and request a conversation with Joe the technician. He worked at the factory and might have the answer you seek.

From what you identified, I think a thump sound is more likely to result from the vertical movements than the 5-10mm gap in the upper bearing. Inspect the quadrant for movement and signs of wear. Especially on the shaft. Do you have a diagram of how the shaft is installed and secured? I don’t believe the shaft should have any vertical travel.

 

[SVChristine]

Thank you jssailem. I’ll contact sbo