rudder bearings

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:49 am

I have alot of slop in my rudder and am about to pull and rework it. I remember previous posts talking about the mushroom shaped bearings. I assume mine are shot. Where can I buy them and what do hey cost?

njerrell · Post by **njerrell** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:06 pm

I have never found a source for the bearings,might check Ida Sailor but I dont think they make them anymore,might try to make some but wouldnt have a clue as to where to start.
Nathan

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:10 pm

EE has a busted one now as well.

njerrell · Post by **njerrell** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:36 pm

Hate to hear that,dont know what you would do or what you would replace those with but im sure there is something that would work,im thinking of the plastic seals that come with a pvc sink repair kit,the ones that you slide on before the nut,not sure if they come in different sizes but something like that might work,not sure if it would be durable enough though.

hotdot · Post by **hotdot** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:29 pm

My rudder berings are worn as well. My plan is to make a thick putty of epoxy resin combined with graphite powder. After removing the rudder from the boat, I will coat the bearing surface of the rudder post to build up the surface. Then use sandpaper to smooth the epoxy/graphite surface until it fits smoothly and snugly into the existing hole. No, I dont know for sure that this will work, but as long as I'm careful I can't hurt anything.

EricBerg · Post by **EricBerg** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 6:31 am

Hi folks. I got one from IDA sailer last year.
Eric.

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 5:33 pm

Could someone post a picture of the rudder bearings? In place or otherwise, my C-22 came without any and I am not sure if I need to try and go back original or redo it the way it was when I got it.

Thanks,

thepartydog · Post by **thepartydog** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:21 pm

Is this what you are talking about?

It is a picture of the rudder post without the rudder. The bearing is slid down from it's installed position.

Darin

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 5:23 am

That is what I was talking about, nothing like that under my boat. Just a tight fit in the 1 1/2 " through hulls. I am putting a stainless shaft collar above and below, the through hull fittings, which is how it was rigged when I got it. Thinking it would be a more permanent fix if I used stainless through hulls and had the ID machined to fit. Does the end of that mushroom bearing fit into a cupped fitting? Is the cupped fitting the through hull itself? Man, do I have more questions than answers or what?
Thanks for the info

njerrell · Post by **njerrell** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 5:33 am

Thats correct,the mushroom bearing fits into a recess area where the rudder shafts goes through the hull on the outside of the boat,i have a 26 but i would assume its the same design on the 22.
Nathan

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:12 am

I got a repalcement pair from IdaSailor last year, I have yet to install them...I think if everyone bugs them alot they will make up a few more....I also need a rudder blade, IdaSailor told me no more blades for Chryslers....but I think if we bug them they will make up a few more, it is a lot easier to buy them correct than try and fashion some set-up on your own in this critical area or operation of the boat...

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:00 am

I contacted IDA Sailor and their reply was they can make a set. The cost would be $55 for one or an upper and lower for $100 plus shipping. Delivery would be about one week. Now I just have to pull the rudder and see if they are needed.

mainsheetmike · Post by **mainsheetmike** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:06 am

Come to think of it, mine are loose too.If there are a lot of loose ones out there, maybe we could get a list and present IDA with a group order, and discount prices?

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:26 am

Does anyone have the specs for rudder bearings?

I found out what material the bearings are made of and know a guy that owns a CNC lathe shop. I used to have a machine shop and he did work for me at very reasonable prices. He does great work and can hold a tolerance of .0005". If I can get the specs I will have him quote a price to make them.

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:55 am

Ok it appears that the mushroom bushings are obtainable or could be made in a pinch, how about the through hulls with the socket that they fit into? Does anyone know of a source for these? could someone post a picture of one? As I said earlier, these had been removed from my 77 C-22 before I got her. The previous fix was to take a standard 1 1/2 plastic through hull and widen the ID to fit the rudder post, install a 2" hose and let the whole shebang ride on the upper shaft collar. Seems to have worked pretty well but when the rudder fell while on the trailer it busted the lower through hull all to pieces, wouldn't want anything like that to happen in the water, would make for bad day on, or in, the water.

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:11 am

Hmmm.. Andiron has a point.. what if something like that DOES happen on the water...... what emergency repair equpment / supplies should we carry should we have a failure in the rudder post tube / thru-hull..... I thought about it and a hose would not help since how would you install it with the rudder post in place.... a split hose would not stop the water coming in, a wooden "bung" or cork that is typical for failed thru hulls would not work since the rudder post would be in the way.. jettison the rudder post you say.. well 1) it may not be that easy ( frozen bolts etc,) and then 2) you have no steering!

Asa former boy scount I am all for being prepared, for esp. catasrophic failures and , Of course , with the C-26 , likely weak points... this is not unique to us, as many boats of the era had these set-up and , let's face it, all inboard sailboats have this potential failure of the prop shaft thru hull... so we either come-up with a better bullet proof design OR have a emergency plan.. (or both!)

BTW: I am no engineer, but I think the bearings are no big deal to make with the right equip....

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:46 am

Andiron 120 - if someone has the specs for the rudder post thru hull I could get a quote on having one made. I assume it is the same material as the bearings.

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:07 pm

It is the through hull with the socket for the mushroom bearing I have no clue about. Never seen one myself. The only emergency plug I can think of off hand would be oakum and narrow wedges. But the chances of a fellow of my size, 6'4", 240, getting in there and driving them into place before I needed gills doesn't leave me feeling warm and cuddley. I am afraid I would just have to depend on that "unsinkable" feature in that case. I have been thinking of going to a 1 1/2 inch stainless through hull and having the center machined to fit the rudder post, possibly adding a greasezert for waterproof grease to top and bottom. But that will have to wait till at least next season if a better alternative doesn't come up first. Right now I am just trying to get her on the lake for the summer by the end of the month. Would like to find a better fix for this before next year as I would like to take her to the Gulf then. I appreciate all the thought and help from the list.

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