Top Rudder Bearing Loose

[Steve Sabree]

I have a new 460 and I just noticed what I feel is excessive play at the top of the rudder shaft. The movement can be felt when underway and you can see the top of the shaft move when you move the wheel from side to side.Anyone familiar with a problem like this?

 

[Tom Pfleeger]

same problem

I have the same problem on my 1999 H310. I bought the boat new in July '00 and began to notice a little slop in the wheel a couple of months ago. Seems unreasonable for rudder bearings to be failing so soon. My rudder floats up in tube about 1/4" and wobbles side to side when turning. It is especially noticeable in a following sea or when pushing the throttle forward before the boat gets moving. I posted a similar complaint about a month ago but did not get much response. I checked some new Hunters in the marina I'm in and found no play in the rudder tubes. I plan on contacting Hunter to see what they have to say about this. What year is your boat and how long has it been in the water?

 

[Jim]

Rudder cable

Check the tension on your rudder cable at the quadrant. Last year my 42 had a lot of play until one day the rudder didn't work.. the locking nut on the cable at the quadrant had worked loose and the cable fell off of the quadrant, which made for an interesting day as I was sailing into port in a narrow passage.. This year I checked the cable, and it was clear that the problem was developing again. Have now tightened the nuts and put tape around them to keep them from loosening.. will see if that works

 

[Rich]

Use Locktight

Jim, My rudder cables were also forever coming loose. I adjusted the nuts and put Lock Tight on them about 2 years ago and haven't had a problem since. That may be a better option than tape which may eventually stretch and/or wear out.

 

[Steve Sabree]

wobble, wobble

Jim and Rich....the play is actually between the rudder post and rudder shaft. I don't have cables. The rudder is driven by a push-pull tube. The play measures about 1/8 inch movement from side to side. Hunter could not explain it but they are looking into a solution.Tom, My boat was built last year. Wobble is a real good term for what the movement looks like and the conditions you felt it in are right on. None of the other boats I've looked at have any play at all.By the way, I bought my 460 in Gulfport. I still have a home in Pass Christian.I'll let you know what comes of this. Thanks for everyone's replies.