Rudder won’t drop?

[Tim Good]

As you can see from the image the rudder shaft (C) comes up through the hull via a bearing and then into a collar (D) which acts as the rudder stop. The shaft (C) then slots into (B) which has a key. Clamped onto (B) is the tiller arm (A). B goes right up to the upper bearing fixed into the base of the cockpit.

We removed the shoe on the skeg no problem and loosened the collar (D). We got the rudder to drop about an inch. It dropped sufficiently to feel the key coming out of (B) but then stopped.

Now it won’t go further and is pulling (B) out of the upper bearing.

Any tips on getting the shaft (C) out of (B)?

 

[Minerva]

presuming you’ve slackened the grub screw in B that’s visible, are you 100% positive there is not other grub screws on the other side that aren’t immediately obvious? With that design there could be either 2 at 180° or potentially 3 at 120° intervals.

Or are there other grub screws under A?

 

[Tim Good]

presuming you’ve slackened the grub screw in B that’s visible, are you 100% positive there is not other grub screws on the other side that aren’t immediately obvious? With that design there could be either 2 at 180° or potentially 3 at 120° intervals.

Or are there other grub screws under A?

Hmm. Interesting.

Yes there were 3 screws in B as you suggested but your observation about there being one under A is possible!

Perhaps it is worth removing it. It has to all come apart to full inspect and clean anyway.

 

[Mister E]

Can you push the rudder back up then clean the shaft with emery paper?

 

[Daydream believer]

I would start by getting as much off as possible. "A" for instance needs removing completely. It just adds friction. Then check for all grub screws & take them right out. Work your way round the shaft looking for any further clamping points. can you remove the steering stops to let you rotate the rudder as much as possible? Then lift & drop the rudder a few times, having worked penetrating oil in, above all working parts.

 

[Tim Good]

I would start by getting as much off as possible. "A" for instance needs removing completely. It just adds friction. Then check for all grub screws & take them right out. Work your way round the shaft looking for any further clamping points. can you remove the steering stops to let you rotate the rudder as much as possible? Then lift & drop the rudder a few times, having worked penetrating oil in, above all working parts.

Fair comments. I’ll get to work on that lot. Apart from WD40 is there a better penetrating oil?

 

[Supertramp]

Yes - penetrating oil in a can or spray. I use a spray, it's lasted 15 years and really helps.

 

[Daydream believer]

Yes - penetrating oil in a can or spray. I use a spray, it's lasted 15 years and really helps.

I have had a a 5 litre can for as long as my memory goes back. It is one of those things that come in handy even if you never need it

 

[Supertramp]

I have had a a 5 litre can for as long as my memory goes back. It is one of those things that come in handy even if you never need it

Selden KO8 Penetrating and Release spray. So good I will buy it again, some time.