A new rudder shaft?

[onesea]

Based in the Solent,

My boat is an old 3/4 tonner with skeg less balanced rudder hung on a shaft.

She has come out as the rudder was loose on the shaft and I had issues with the bearings, it seems the shaft has a slight bend causing the issues :ambivalence:.

I have my fiber glass man on the case looking into the loose rudder and getting the shaft out.

As I understand I have 3 options:
1) File and Sand the bearings until its about right (I think my predecessor did this), and except new rudder bearings every 3-4 years.
2) See if I can get the shaft straightened,
3) Replace the whole shaft :disgust:,

All thoughts appreciated, especially as to costs and effectiveness of solutions.

If I recall the shaft is Alloy about 3"-4" diameter and might be up to 2 meters long....

 

[TimBennet]

When exploring options, at least cost a replacement from http://www.jefa.com

Sometimes these projects have a habit of growing until they become more expensive than going the whole hog from the outset. This will at least give you a comparator.

 

[Jaramaz]

Based in the Solent,

My boat is an old 3/4 tonner with skeg less balanced rudder hung on a shaft.

She has come out as the rudder was loose on the shaft and I had issues with the bearings, it seems the shaft has a slight bend causing the issues :ambivalence:.

I have my fiber glass man on the case looking into the loose rudder and getting the shaft out.

As I understand I have 3 options:
1) File and Sand the bearings until its about right (I think my predecessor did this), and except new rudder bearings every 3-4 years.
2) See if I can get the shaft straightened,
3) Replace the whole shaft :disgust:,

All thoughts appreciated, especially as to costs and effectiveness of solutions.

If I recall the shaft is Alloy about 3"-4" diameter and might be up to 2 meters long....

Not unusual on this generation boats I am afraid. These rudder shafts bend when sailing, the more pressure the more bend. When bending they do not fit in the bearing set, the shaft will form an arc and angles doesn't fit with the bearings. Rudder becomes very hard to move.

Looking on your options

(1) will not really cure your problem
(2) is difficult and it is bent for some reason
(3) is just a partial solution.

none is really adequate. Have alook on the Jefa homepage as proposed, all this is described in some detail. If you change bearings this will solve most of your problems - might work even with your bent shaft. Best is to swap shaft as well.
Expensive? Yes, but not as much I least I expected (guess how I know)

Best of luck

/J

 

[Javelin]

I have my rudder out at the moment - again 3/4 tonner.

Top bearing was well worn and the lower one was fine but the shaft was worn.

I considered splitting the rudder to remove the shaft to have it re machined but decided to follow up on a fellow forumite suggestion of having a split bearing made up.
However my shaft is not bent so I had that option.

In your case I'd simply cut open one side, dig out the foam and remove the shaft and then assess the best way forwards from there
i.e re straighten or re machine

It's not as big a job as you'd think but working with grp is my thing........

My rudder work is here http://www.mgrs34.info/albums/somersault-repairs/

 

[oldsaltoz]

You can get a reasonable priced replacement stainless steel shaft from any of your local hydraulics work shops.

Hydraulic rams that have small scores in them are thrown out as scrap.

Just make sure you get it cut to length before you take it away.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[onesea]

A warn shaft if I could be so lucky...

The rudder shaft a has bend on top of the rudder. The shaft was loose in the rudder and opening up has shown that the shaft on passing the first tang reduces in diameter.

As this point the welds have failed hence the loose rudder.. What to do it the question? Anyone got any idea of the alloys used in the construction?

How much would a new rudder be? etc etc

Any one got a spare knocking around???

 

[Jaramaz]

Most often was Alu or ss used. It is easy to see the difference, for a 34-36 ft boat the shaft dia is typical 3" if made in Alu; a ss shaft is considerably thinner.

The cost of a new rudder depends on how you would like to have it done. DIY certainly possible, then you pay for a shaft + some welding - this in itself doesn't have to be expensive. Your own work is doable, will take some time. Save the old rudder to have a plug. A in-door workshop is nice to have. Google - there are some who have done it.
Buy a new one ... expensive, Jefa is a well-known supplier.

Second-hand rudders are rare. But you never know!

/J

 

[Javelin]

Jaramaz pretty much sums up my thoughts.

Beg borrow or steal a Oscillating Multicutter and cut out the old shaft.
repair / replace shaft and glass it back in again.

Run it up to Southwold in the back of the car and I'll do it with/for you.

 

[onesea]

Well the bills are yet to come in but rudder is refitted and ready to go... Boat launches Friday.. Rudder stock had serious bend mostly heated and straightened welded up again. The top half of rudder stock was loose from bottom half! Lucky not to loose the rudder...

SO keep the weather good and see you out there...

 

[TQA]

Good 'how to' guide http://www.westsystem.com/ss/rebuilding-a-rudder/