[C320-list] Bent Rudder Shaft

[Arthur Gates]

Without having the boat pulled for inspection yet, I am told that the
rudder shaft just below the hull is likely bent aft about 1/4" and that it
should be easy to straighten with a come along around the keel once the
boat is pulled April 30th.
Does anyone have experience doing this, or think it inadvisable?
Thanks, Rollie  #182  Punta Gorda, FL


> [Original Message]
> From: Quentin Murphy <qmurphy at sympatico.ca>
> To: <argates2nd at earthlink.net>; C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Date: 4/18/07 9:33:34 PM
> Subject: RE: [C320-list] Bent Rudder Shaft
>
> Rollie,
>
> I had the misfortune of hitting and being trapped on large rocks last year
> which bent the rudder (probably when trying to get out).  This bend was so
> severe I could not steer the boat (even trying the emergency tiller) at
all
> as the top of the rudder was firmly jammed against the underside of the
> hull.  Straightening the shaft was out of the question as, like any hollow
> tube, it collapsed somewhat.  The new rudder came from the Florida factory
> in about a week, but had to have a new set of holes drilled into the shaft
> as all newer 320 rudders are the same as on the 310.  That drilling was
done
> at a machine shop as it had to be "dead on". Now the boat handles better
> than before (less excessive weather helm) with the slightly shorter but
> wider rudder (on a wing keel boat).
>
> Quentin
> Celtic Knot #667
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Arthur Gates
> Sent: April 18, 2007 9:04 PM
> To: C320-List
> Subject: [C320-list] Bent Rudder Shaft
>
>
> We experienced a hard grounding two evenings ago while enterring Gordon
> Pass in Naples, FL about 1 1/2 hours before an exceptionally low tide when
> there were deep swells after two days of strong NW winds.  The wing keel
> did fine but the rudder shaft was bent.
> Per our diver, the aft top of the rudder now rubs the bottom of the hull
> but it is useable.  The forward top end of the rudder now has a space of
> more than 1/2".  The steering gear and shaft look fine above the hull.
> We made it to our home port today 65 KMs away -- and am I glad the wheel
> does not require so much muscle normally.
> The next step is to haul out, drop the rudder, examine the damage in
> daylight, and proceed to straighten the shaft or ??
>
> Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing who could outline the
> possibilites and related steps for me?
>
> Thanks, Rollie   #182
>
>