Ruder shaft repairs

[John G]

Just read the "rudder stuffing box not connected" article and have a question for Mr. Ward. Did you remove the rudder cap and insert the draft film strips while out of the water? I have a 1975 Catalina 30 with a loose rudder shaft. I too heard of the fix you did in your boat. I have been tempted to try it but feared the rudder, shaft, feathers guts and all would slide out the bottom. Thanks

 

[Chris ward]

Rudder Shims

John:Every C-30 I have done this on has had wheel steering so I was not worried about the whole rudder dropping out. The repairs were made with the boat in the water.I suspect your 1975 has a tiller. In this case I would place a clamp (Vise grips)on the shaft above the packing box to prevent loss of the rudder. Also quickly replacing the tiller head bolt will prevent loosing the rudder. My rudder usually slides down to rest on the bolt but a strong upward pull moves it back into final position. Fair Winds,Chris Ward

 

[Jim]

Line trick

Just for safety sake I have tied a line under the rudder and to cleats etc. on deck to prevent the rudder from slipping out. It can be hard to slip the shims in with the bolt in the way.A more permanent fix which I have done is to pour a graphite epoxy mix down the rudder tube after waxing the post. Let it harden and then give a tug on the tiller and then you have a tight rudder post again. This really scared me to do but it worked quite well and was easy to do. I must have waxed the post 10 times.Jim