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Posted by gene (67.153.121.195) on 18:15:17 09/11/05
In Reply to: Re: RUDDER PROBLEMS, UrRGENT! posted by Larry
Andrew:
You will need to haul the boat regardless of how you proceed.
Not sure what model you have but have had to replace a rudder on my '73 36-dbl. A bent rudder or a bent rudder shaft will not prevent it from being removed. There are three restriction points - all inside the hull: where the steering tie-rod connects to the shaft, a collar on the shaft above the stuffing box and the stuffing box itself. Even removing the stuffing box nuts, I found it necessary to hit the shaft from above with a small sledge hammer and drive it out of the bottom. Be sure to use a piece of hard wood between the hammer and the shaft. That will leave you with an inch and a quarter hole in the bottom of the boat.
The alternative and better idea is to cut the shaft just above the rudder (not much room). Make sure your stuffing box is not leaking first. You can steer at cruising speeds with just a minor adjustment. At lower speeds, it will be difficult but doable. You will need to make judicious use of your throttles and transmissions.
When you get it home, remove the shaft and make a carboard tracing of the other rudder. Take them to a prop shop and they will make you up a new blade and graft it to the existing shaft. If the existing shaft is cut too short, they can simply make up a new one. Took the shop I went to only a day.
Gene
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