I have some play on the rudder of my S37. The bottom rudder bearing needs to be replaced. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the bearing material, is it nylon like the top bearing? and anyone have any thoughts about possably changing it whilst in the water by removing the quadrant and using two half shells of bearing.
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N
Nice N Easy
Seidelman rudder bushings
This appears to be a common problem with these boats. I am going to do this in the next month or so when the boat comes out for a bottom job. If you do a search in the archives, there is some info. on this site. There is a place in Fla. that has made some new bushings for the S37. Believe it it anchor marine in Tampa, but not 100% sure of that. I wouldn't attempt it in the water, but that is just my way of thinking. Not to say it can't be done. Keep us informed, any info would be appreciated.
This appears to be a common problem with these boats. I am going to do this in the next month or so when the boat comes out for a bottom job. If you do a search in the archives, there is some info. on this site. There is a place in Fla. that has made some new bushings for the S37. Believe it it anchor marine in Tampa, but not 100% sure of that. I wouldn't attempt it in the water, but that is just my way of thinking. Not to say it can't be done. Keep us informed, any info would be appreciated.
M
Moonraker
Rudder Bushings
You need to drop the rudder to replace the bushings... I've done this, call me if you need advice. Nathan Needel 813 426 3549.
You need to drop the rudder to replace the bushings... I've done this, call me if you need advice. Nathan Needel 813 426 3549.
R
Red
A bearing alternative
I know some Pearson owners were taking a rather different alternative and "casting" new bearings in place. What they did was to first, clean the rudder tube out as well as possible, then spray it and the rudder post generously with mold release compound. Finally, they squeezed in lots of epoxy that was mixed with graphite filler. Lots of filler. When that mix sets up, supposedly the mold release compound is enough to prevent the epoxy from gluing the rudder in place, and you've got a "graphite" plastic matrix for the new bearing. I guess teflon or other microspheres would do the same trick if you could obtain them. I'd heard this some years ago, and hadn't heard any reports of problems afterwards. Just passing it along.
I know some Pearson owners were taking a rather different alternative and "casting" new bearings in place. What they did was to first, clean the rudder tube out as well as possible, then spray it and the rudder post generously with mold release compound. Finally, they squeezed in lots of epoxy that was mixed with graphite filler. Lots of filler. When that mix sets up, supposedly the mold release compound is enough to prevent the epoxy from gluing the rudder in place, and you've got a "graphite" plastic matrix for the new bearing. I guess teflon or other microspheres would do the same trick if you could obtain them. I'd heard this some years ago, and hadn't heard any reports of problems afterwards. Just passing it along.
D
David Bangasser
34 Rudder
Capt. Hawk, It has been awhile since I've updated you on my rudder problem. To make a long story short, my rudder shaft seperated at the water line partially due to electrolysis which occured from a faulty solar panel installation. I was able to replace the rudder shaft and am now in the process of resurfacing the rudder. So far, I haven't had to haul the boat and with the help of a couple of divers, expect to re-install the rudder. I am using a 3" inflatible test plumbing ball purchased at Ace Hardware to keep water out of the bilge. I saw the photo of your lower bearing and may need to replace mine. Have you identified a supplier for the bearing? If so I could use their name. Again, thanks for sending me the specs and supply source for the rudder. David Bangasser Windward
Capt. Hawk, It has been awhile since I've updated you on my rudder problem. To make a long story short, my rudder shaft seperated at the water line partially due to electrolysis which occured from a faulty solar panel installation. I was able to replace the rudder shaft and am now in the process of resurfacing the rudder. So far, I haven't had to haul the boat and with the help of a couple of divers, expect to re-install the rudder. I am using a 3" inflatible test plumbing ball purchased at Ace Hardware to keep water out of the bilge. I saw the photo of your lower bearing and may need to replace mine. Have you identified a supplier for the bearing? If so I could use their name. Again, thanks for sending me the specs and supply source for the rudder. David Bangasser Windward
34 Rudder Bearings
David; The following company's have rudder bearings:1)Edson USA;New Bedford,MA @ 508-995-9711 (2) Harken USA;Newport,RI @401-849-8278 ....or the company I have been talking to about bearings is VESCONITE USA. They make ceramic bearings and sent me some samples.I was very impressed. These things will wear better than anything I have seen or used to date. They are mostly used by the US Navy and other large ships of the Merchant Marine type. The bearings are custom machined to your tolerances and not too terribly expensive. They are made in South Africa, but have a plant in Houston,Texas. I have been talking with a South African chap in their New York office by the named of Mark Opperman @ 1-866-635-7596. If you decide to try these, I would have him send you a sample.If you can not buy direct, then we will use my company....Hawkins Marine Service... to make the purchase.I will be ordering a new cutlass bearing from Mark next week. My upper and lower rudder bearings are still in good shape.I will more than likely buy new ones from Mark when the time comes to replace them. Cheers- CaptHawk
David; The following company's have rudder bearings:1)Edson USA;New Bedford,MA @ 508-995-9711 (2) Harken USA;Newport,RI @401-849-8278 ....or the company I have been talking to about bearings is VESCONITE USA. They make ceramic bearings and sent me some samples.I was very impressed. These things will wear better than anything I have seen or used to date. They are mostly used by the US Navy and other large ships of the Merchant Marine type. The bearings are custom machined to your tolerances and not too terribly expensive. They are made in South Africa, but have a plant in Houston,Texas. I have been talking with a South African chap in their New York office by the named of Mark Opperman @ 1-866-635-7596. If you decide to try these, I would have him send you a sample.If you can not buy direct, then we will use my company....Hawkins Marine Service... to make the purchase.I will be ordering a new cutlass bearing from Mark next week. My upper and lower rudder bearings are still in good shape.I will more than likely buy new ones from Mark when the time comes to replace them. Cheers- CaptHawk
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