Macwester Rudder Bushes / Bearings

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 Jul 2009
Messages
3,311
Location
Bristol Channel
Visit site
I removed the rudder to get access to the propshaft and stern tube. However, I can not see any bushes/bearings on the rudder stock or inside the tube.

It appears that the rudder stock has been turning inside the tube steel to steel, there is a bit of play when operating the rudder and I can see that the rudder stock has been wearing down at the place where the rudder meets the stainless steel stock. Should there be bushes? Any experience on this issue?
20150210_121653.jpg
 
The rudder on my Rowan was wobbly on the 'pintle' if that's what it's called. I made up a bronze bush and wedged that into the hole at the base of the rudder. I filled the surrounding small space with epoxy filler. Did the job, and that was about 3 years ago. The bush can't fall out of course.

Geoff
 
CAPTAIN,
I changed the bearings on my 27 a couple of years ago, Bro in law made new ones for me out of Derrin or some such stuff. Pics on my profile page.
I have three bearings, one on the rudder shoe, one where the rudder stock enters the bottom of the boat and one on the top.
The one on the top was the tricky one to make as it has a very course thread, the other two are plain push fit.
They have worn very well and I have no play on the rudder at all.
If you need any other help, just shout.
Capt. RoN
 
Appledore said:
The rudder on my Rowan was wobbly on the 'pintle' if that's what it's called. I made up a bronze bush and wedged that into the hole at the base of the rudder. I filled the surrounding small space with epoxy filler. Did the job, and that was about 3 years ago. The bush can't fall out of course.

Geoff
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply; mine is also wobbly and I appears that I will have to make up couple of bushes.
 
ronmarson said:
CAPTAIN,
I changed the bearings on my 27 a couple of years ago, Bro in law made new ones for me out of Derrin or some such stuff. Pics on my profile page.
I have three bearings, one on the rudder shoe, one where the rudder stock enters the bottom of the boat and one on the top.
The one on the top was the tricky one to make as it has a very course thread, the other two are plain push fit.
They have worn very well and I have no play on the rudder at all.
If you need any other help, just shout.
Capt. RoN
Click to expand...

Capt. Ron; Thank you for the reply and for the pictures, very helpful indeed. I will do the same; I will fit "plastic" bushes, turned down to fit the stock and tube. I may be able to source the plastic from chandleries perhaps.
 
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC said:
Capt. Ron; Thank you for the reply and for the pictures, very helpful indeed. I will do the same; I will fit "plastic" bushes, turned down to fit the stock and tube. I may be able to source the plastic from chandleries perhaps.
Click to expand...
Use Delrin. Unlikely chandlers will stock, but plenty of online supplies.ers. Find a machine shop that understands the material and how to machine it. Alternatively H4 Marine who post here will make them for you in Marinex which iis similar to plain vanilla Delrin. Either perfect for the job.
 
CAPTAIN'
I just got a reply from my B in L;

"Delrin NOT nylon, from Plastic Design Services (01344 761695 ) Peter Benson. He was over at Bracknell and would sell small off cuts. The problem is it is hard to tell the difference until you try to machine it."

Hope this helps. Good luck.
Capt. Ron
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top