Vibration / play in Rudder

[jusw]

Treble C has developed a "shudder or flutter" from the rudder when sailing along - this is felt through the tiller. It is getting worse.

I presume there is too much play somewhere, but as she has a sugar scoop stern. I can't see where the pivot is or how to get to it.

Does anyone have any idea? She is a Hunter Horizon 27 TK

Thanks in advance

Julian

 

[Spyro]

I had a similar problem I thought I had something wrong with my rudder but it turned out to be a burgee which I had mounted on the backstay. The vibrations travelled down the stay to the transom and could be felt through the tiller.

 

[alahol2]

I had the problem quite severely, decided in the end that it was turbulance from the stationary three bladed prop. Changed to a 2 blade and problem much reduced (no way can I afford a folding/feathering prop).
Maybe you have got fouling on your prop that is causing more turbulance than usual?

 

[nigelmercier]

You may be told it is the bearings. On my boat it was the swivel ball joints on the track rod ends.

 

[Searush]

Could there be a chip, dent or notch on the leading edge of the rudder? I have had that make dinghy rudders sing when on the plane.

 

[tross]

at what speed does this happen - is it always the same speed?

 

[CharlesSwallow]

My last boat was an Horizon 30 and I remember having the same experience. As I recall, I tightened the bearing ring and it cured it. To my mind, that it happened at all meant that she was sailing fair with no continuous pressure on either side of the blade.

You might get some info from Andy Cunningham who was Peter Poland's right hand man at Hunter boats. Take a look at http://andycunninghammarine.co.uk/contact.htm

Chas