Rudder problems

[Bob Chesnut]

HELP
I was ready to launch our 1969 B-39 full keel sloop last week when I noticed the propeller aperture did not line up. It appears the rudder has dropped about 3/4 inch. Upon further investigation, I realized the spacer between the bottom of the rudder and the keel "toe" is missing. The rudder rubs directly on the keel when it is turned. I don't know how long this has been this way. We purchased about a year ago. It may have been this way all last year.

I saw on an old post in this group the unassembled pin and locking bolt the holds the rudder in place. I am confident that I should be able to take everything apart and install a new spacer (or bushing?), but I don't know where to get one or how to make one. Does anyone have any information on this part? What is it made of? Is the part available commercially? What would I even call it? Should I replace the pin and bolt or reuse. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Matthew Thomson]

I had my Rudder bushing replaced last year (the pin, bolt and nut), I don't remember a bushing between the keel (shoe) and bottom of the rudder, certanly nothing 3/4" thick, but mine is a Centerboard boat, so maybe there is a difference.      As far as replacing the pin and bolt, is there slop in your rudder. Can you push it side to side? When you pull them out it will be evident if there is wear on the pin where it inserts into the bottom of the rudder, and if there's wear in the hole in the pin where the bolt goes thru. I have an electronic document on what this looks like, but I couldn't find it on my home computer so it must be at work. I won't be able to get to it till Tuesday.      If you need a bushing made, you'll probably have to  take the dimensions (Interior Dia. / Exterior Dia. / and thickness) and have 1 made at a machine shop (If it were me I would get 2). Do you have a buddy thats a machinist? Can your Marina make it, or do you know where there is a Prop Shop? Have it made of Marine Bronze or Silica Bronze. If you have a problem with that try 316 Stainless Steel. Once you get the dimensions you could also look online at either Grainger or McMaster Carr. McMaster Carr has really fast shipping (Next day for me). Hope this helps. --- On Fri, 4/13/12, Bob Chesnut <bobbob...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Mark Kappeler]

It may look like this however I think this shows the rudder bearing for the centerboard and I don't know if there is a difference.  See attached.

Mark K.
PowerSure Fuel Reconditioning and Tank Cleaning Service LLC
www.PowerSureFuel.com
"90% of all Diesel engine failures result from contaminated fuel"  Source:  CAV worlds largest maker of fuel injection pumps.

> Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:47:51 -0700
> From: bobbob...@gmail.com
> To: bristo...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: [Bristol39-40] Rudder problems

>
> HELP
> I was ready to launch our 1969 B-39 full keel sloop last week when I noticed the propeller aperture did not line up. It appears the rudder has dropped about 3/4 inch. Upon further investigation, I realized the spacer between the bottom of the rudder and the keel "toe" is missing. The rudder rubs directly on the keel when it is turned. I don't know how long this has been this way. We purchased about a year ago. It may have been this way all last year.
>
> I saw on an old post in this group the unassembled pin and locking bolt the holds the rudder in place. I am confident that I should be able to take everything apart and install a new spacer (or bushing?), but I don't know where to get one or how to make one. Does anyone have any information on this part? What is it made of? Is the part available commercially? What would I even call it? Should I replace the pin and bolt or reuse. Has anyone else had this problem?
>

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bristol39-40" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/bristol39-40/-/b4WE8Ez_WDsJ.
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> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to bristol39-40...@googlegroups.com.

[Scott Rosenthal]

Bob,

I don't know if these pictures of my rudder shoe repair will help or not:

http://picasaweb.google.com/scottbrosenthal/RudderShoe

Regards,

Scott
1980 Willow #110

[Bob Chesnut]

Thanks for all the input!
Scott, your picture gallery is very helpful as this is the exact same "toe & pin setup that I am dealing with. I was able to disassemble the bottom pintle this morning and fashioned up a plastic bushing using hole saws and some hand tools. Got it all back together before lunch! The wheel moves so much smoother and with much less effort. The bushing was 3/4 inch thick, but it fit in and netted about 5/8 inch total.
This was a case where I obsessed about how and "what if". When I started the repair, it went quick and easy. These boats are very well engineered and repair seems intuitive.
This support network is also great!

[Paul Merry]

A friend of mine with a Luders 33 had this issue, and instead of metal, had a bushing made of some kind of plastic, polyurethane maybe: in any case a kind of plastic that could be machined.  He said it wore better and was smoother and not subject to corrosion.  For what it's worth.   Best, Paul Merry

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[Jim 1968 B39 #25 Ondine]

Bob

What type plastic did you use? I have the same issue, though it still
steers smoothly, it has dropped almost an inch.

Jim

> > --- On *Fri, 4/13/12, Bob Chesnut /<bobbobches...@gmail.com>/* wrote:

> >     <http://us.mc1204.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bristol39-40@googlegrou...>.

> >     To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> >     bristol39-40...@googlegroups.com
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[Gary]

I believe that delrin is what is used

Sent from my iPhone

[sail_584]

I used delrin when replacing the sheaves on the center board pennant and they have worked floorlessly for five years.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Brian Walter, B39 Luna Blu

[Jack]

Scott, Do you have pictures and a description of your rudder lower bushing repair? I find my lower rudder has too much play. Jack