Edit: I changed the title from "When to rebuild rudder hinge" because this project evolved into redoing the entire rudder assembly.
I thinking about rebuilding the rudder hinge of my 23.5. However, before plunking down $130+ for new gudgeons and other stuff that comes up, Id like to have an idea how much play in the hinge is normal. Right now, it looks like there is well over 1/16" play in the holes for the hinge pins. In rough water I can feel the rudder shift slightly left and right while underway. Like loose steering. I drive sports cars, so I like a nice tight steering feel. But I dont know whats normal in this boat. Can anyone relate how much play in their rudder hinge? My son says his Hobbie has zero play. But I guess Im wondering if they just come loose from factory, or if they are ovaled out from leaving the rudder down in a slip all the time (I dont do that, but have only owned her for a few years).
I thinking about rebuilding the rudder hinge of my 23.5. However, before plunking down $130+ for new gudgeons and other stuff that comes up, Id like to have an idea how much play in the hinge is normal. Right now, it looks like there is well over 1/16" play in the holes for the hinge pins. In rough water I can feel the rudder shift slightly left and right while underway. Like loose steering. I drive sports cars, so I like a nice tight steering feel. But I dont know whats normal in this boat. Can anyone relate how much play in their rudder hinge? My son says his Hobbie has zero play. But I guess Im wondering if they just come loose from factory, or if they are ovaled out from leaving the rudder down in a slip all the time (I dont do that, but have only owned her for a few years).
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