Boom Gooseneck

[ArntzFamily]

Should have included this along with my last question.....my boom gooseneck is getting pretty worn. Anyone know of a new one that will work?  The other option I am considering is to remove it and drill the holes a bit bigger and insert stainless shims.  I know this will work but if there is an option to get a new one, I'd love to know about that.

Thanks,

Mike

J/42 Bolero, hull #16

[Sean Motta]

That’s definitely something I’d jump on with. Mine is still serviceable, but definitely showing her age. 

Sean Motta

USA 52910

J/42 Hull # 50

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[Ed Sitver]

Mike, 

Not sure where you’re located, but my riggers in the Portsmouth, RI area (David Moffat, who is from Hall Spars when they built the J/42 mast), put a nice machined gooseneck on for me when installing the sheave box for my inner stay. Single piece of aluminum, no welds 

The shop is called Newport Rigging these days. They may be able to get you one or tell you where they sourced that. 

Ed

[gale...@gmail.com]

I need to replace my gooseneck as well. Maybe we can get a multi-unit discount?

2001 J42 #57 with aluminum Hall spar.

Galen

Tango

[ArntzFamily]

I ordered a replacement gooseneck from Newport Rigging and it fit perfectly.  Cara Read was super knowledgeable and helpful.

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[William C. Wohlforth]

All,

 

Steering on my J/42 (#71) has lost the lovely fine touch and now feels like Edson brake is partly on. In a word, sticky.   As you turn helm to stb, resistance increases.  I searched J/4X archives and did not find any posts directly on this topic.  I have eliminated many potential causes: I disconnected autopilot (no change); I disassembled binnacle and made sure Edson brake not sticking (it isn’t); I inspected steering system to ensure nothing chafing on that arm that connects to rudder post (clear); and I dove overboard to ensure no rope or object crammed in between rudder and hull (nothing).  Am I to conclude by deduction that problem must be in rudder bearing?  Any experience on this? (Weird, because issue emerged during passage from Annapolis-Maine, rather than slowly building over a long time).

 

Thanks folks!

 

Bill Wohlforth

Hotspur J/42 # 71

[Ed S]

Hi Bill,

One more check to diagnose and confirm it's the rudder bearing(s) and not something in the rack and pinion would be to disconnect the draglink from the tiller arm at the rudder post. Then you’re working with nothing but the two bearings. There are two needle bearings on the downtube that could maybe cause drag. Probably not, but the Edson guys have told me they’ve seen those freeze up from lack of maintenance. 

I was on the hard at the time I was working on this, so I could easily play with the rudder. In the water, I’d use the emergency tiller to run the same check. Discerning which bearing is the culprit might be tougher in the water, but you might get visual clues while observing the upper bearing as you turn the helm.

I didn’t realize how sticky my steering was until I had replaced the bearing. As it turned out, my lower bearing was so seized that it came out of the boat stuck to the rudder post when I dropped the rudder. It must have broken free and been rotating in the hull. Embarrassing. Fortunately I was there a Sunday morning to dig the hole while nobody was at the yard to object. :-) 

I’ve been through the bearing replacement, and I’d be happy to share my experience if it comes to that for you.

Ed

------------------------------------
Ed Sitver
esi...@gmail.com
WhatsApp:  +1 303-570-5071
Mobile: +1 303-570-5071
------------------------------------

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[William C. Wohlforth]

Ed,

 

Thanks for that reply; I will give this a try. Fingers crossed. (I found your earlier post in the archives re rudder bearing—impressive that you did that job yourself!)

 

Cheers,

 

Bill

 

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[Rod Deyo]

The Edson steering also has roller bearings inside the vertical shaft  that need greasing occasionally. 

Rod Deyo

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[Ed S]

Yeah… I didn’t word my response very well. In my set up, those roller/needle bearings at the top and bottom of the steering down tube (connecting the wheel down to the drag link) are the ones I was told could potentially freeze up if not lightly greased once a year or so. There are grease nipples, top and bottom. 

The gearing at the top, as well as the bearing on the shaft to the wheel (housed in the “bump” where the shaft enters the binnacle) are supposed to get some grease too. Manuals are online for guidance. 

Regards,

Ed

------------------------------------

Ed Sitver

esi...@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +1 303-570-5071
Mobile: +1 303-570-5071

On Jun 26, 2025, at 14:40, Rod Deyo <roder...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[William C. Wohlforth]

Ed/Rod: Much appreciated: Next step is in process of elimination is now clear.

 

Best,

 

Bill

 

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[William C. Wohlforth]

The issue is clearly the rudder bearing. Question: is it possible to tell lower bearing type by examining it?   An earlier discussion on this list suggests that J boats originally used bearings from Tides Marine.  I just want to understand the bearing so I can picture in mind’s eye what might be going on. (As far as I can tell, no owner on this list has reported a tightening/slight seizing of bearing—previous convo was about play in bearing,).

 

Upper bearing seemed to allow grease, so partially disassembled that, allowing rudder post to move a bit up and down.  In any case, these shenanigans had the effect of markedly improving the situation.  Still not perfect fingertip steering but acceptable if it holds this way for rest of seasons.

 

I know you all know this, but boy is this boat fun to sail!!

 

Cheers,

 

Bill

J/42 #71 Hotspur

 

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[Ed S]

My lower froze. Pic attached, butbut I’m not sure if it will come through via email. I think mine was not a Tides. 

Regards,

Ed

------------------------------------

Ed Sitver

esi...@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +1 303-570-5071
Mobile: +1 303-570-5071

On Jul 1, 2025, at 06:48, William C. Wohlforth <William.C...@dartmouth.edu> wrote:



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[William C. Wohlforth]

Photo came thu fine, thanks! – but hard to tell from it how bearing is constructed, eg what’s in contact with the rudder post, how it is lubricated/reduces friction, and how it goes bad.   All in the interest of determining whether problem I’m experiencing is manageable for season . . .

 

From: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ed S <esi...@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM
To: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [J/4X-owners] Re: J/42 Sticky steering

My lower froze. Pic attached, butbut I’m not sure if it will come through via email. I think mine was not a Tides. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/j4x-owners-group/97342EEF-A325-4850-98BE-1DDF0E15697D%40gmail.com.

[Ed S]

This and the new Jefa are plastic bearings (I forget the material). They are “self lubricating.”

Regards,

Ed

------------------------------------

Ed Sitver

esi...@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +1 303-570-5071
Mobile: +1 303-570-5071

On Jul 1, 2025, at 13:43, William C. Wohlforth <William.C...@dartmouth.edu> wrote:



Photo came thu fine, thanks! – but hard to tell from it how bearing is constructed, eg what’s in contact with the rudder post, how it is lubricated/reduces friction, and how it goes bad.   All in the interest of determining whether problem I’m experiencing is manageable for season . . .

 

From: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ed S <esi...@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM
To: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com <j4x-owne...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [J/4X-owners] Re: J/42 Sticky steering

My lower froze. Pic attached, but

<image001.jpg>

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[gale...@gmail.com]

It’s very important to check your gooseneck as the aluminum casting can develop serious cracking. 
Disaster averted. Thanks to this group for replacement sourcing.

Galen

J42 #57

On Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 6:56:53 PM UTC-4 ArntzFamily wrote:

[gale...@gmail.com]

So I was trying to get the 1/2” bolt out of the failing cast gooaseneck and had to resort to a hammer. One blow and the casting totally failed. Unbelievable! Newport Rigging is working on a quote for a new milled one. Will share once recieved.

Galen

[Dennis Boyd]

Hi Guys,  still trying to get to know everyone and learn about my J42.    I can not tell but these gooseneck with cracks, wear and failure.   Are they on CF mast?    I can't seem to id the boats in the conversation on the directory so, as a newbie I am lost. 

thanks, 

Dennis

Jaywalker #6

[Sean Motta]

Mine appears serviceable but shows its age. If they’re going to go through the effort of quoting and speccing one I’d jump on that band wagon and order one

Sean

Sean Motta

USA 52910

J/42 Hull # 50

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[Galen Todd]

Mine is J42 hull #57 2001 aluminum mast. Newport Rigging said this is a common issue and they sold many replacement units. It should be easy to see if your gooseneck is milled or cast.

Galen

Galen Todd

Camden, ME

On Oct 8, 2025, at 10:23 AM, Sean Motta <sean...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Dennis Boyd]

Galen, 

Thanks,   ok.   I am 1996, with AL mast.    Not sure if my gooseneck is milled or cast.     Boat is 3 hours north right now in yard.    I've have to see if I took any photos of it.    Unless age is a screening tool.    My gut is telling that I too might be in market. 

Dennis

[Patrick Powers]

I own J/42 number 60 Anotia. She is a shoal draft with carbon mast. The gooseneck is cracked. Annapolis Rigging (Jay Herman) told me he can have one cast. I would reach out to him. 

Patrick

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 8, 2025, at 10:46 AM, Dennis Boyd <dennis....@gmail.com> wrote:

Galen, 

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[Galen Todd]

Good option with Annapolis Rigging.

I just heard back from Cara Read at Newport Rigging. They have a milled gooseneck (they call it a toggle) for $250 and are accepting orders. 

cara...@newportrigginggroup.com

Galen Todd

Camden, ME

On Oct 8, 2025, at 12:17 PM, Patrick Powers <patrick...@gmail.com> wrote:

I own J/42 number 60 Anotia. She is a shoal draft with carbon mast. The gooseneck is cracked. Annapolis Rigging (Jay Herman) told me he can have one cast. I would reach out to him. 

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