Significant play and high friction in H216 VARA rudder

Jul 27, 2025
7
Hunter 216 Lake Aylmer
I am troubleshooting issues with the VARA rudder on my new to me 2008 Hunter 216. I disassembled the rudder to understand why there was so much play and friction. To my surprise, I did not find anything that looks like a bearing in the assembly, the top plate of the rudder slides directly on a flange inside the cylinder in the boat.

I noticed old screw holes in the side of the cylinder. Is it possible that they held a bearing before? I see that it is possible to purchase Delrin balls for the rudder bearing, but I don't see a race in which they would be held in place. Am I missing other parts?

 

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