[C320-list] Rudder play

[Joe Geiger]

I had to drop the rudder a few inches and insert shims where the rudder post enters the hull and at the deck under the emergency tiller access port. After you put the rudder back in place make sure the steering cables are tight. Mine loosened up a bit when I dropped the rudder. 

Here is a factory diagram of the rudder on my model year 2000 C320 I got from Warren Pandy at Catalina. It’s the same design as the C30:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ti8fs9b5gnawg0m/Early%20Rudder%20Design.pdf?dl=0

I installed the shims 2 seasons ago and it has held up so far. 

They may have used a newer design at some point after 2000 by Forespar that has bolts you can tighten to remove the play. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b12i6td58ulqklc/Forespar%20Rudder%20Design.pdf?dl=0

Catalina Direct sells a kit to repair it permanently but it requires you to remove the rudder to wax the post and drill some holes in the rudder tube to squeeze in epoxy once the waxed post is replaced.  It’s a lot of work and probably only needed if it is really worn. 

Keeping your rudder brake on while not sailing (when docked, anchored or moored) will keep it from wearing, so remember to do so after you’re done sailing for the day.  


Joe
--
Joe Geiger
“Vega” #722
Greenwich Cove, RI

> On May 1, 2021, at 9:28 AM, Steve Walker <amainepe at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Scott,
> 
> I dealt with this issue last summer with help from members here. There are some good threads on the list addressing the issue. Search for "rudder shim" or "milk jug" and you'll find some good info.
> 
> The issue is the rudder post goes through a fiberglass tube rather than any traditional bearings. The tube wears over time allowing the post to rattle.
> 
> I added some milk jug shims to the upper support position by accessing the top of the rudder post through the circular hatch just aft of the helm. You have to remove the clamp at the top, slide in some pieces of milk jug and put the clamp back on. This seemed to help my situation, but obviously it is a temporary solution.
> 
> Check out the other threads on the subject, there is a lot of great advice out there.
> 
> Steve
> #865
> Maine
> 
> ________________________________
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
> Sent: Saturday, May 1, 2021, 9:04 AM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Rudder play
> 
> I just noticed a slight "play" in the rudder (1998 C320).  It is very slight.  If I go below and grab the rudder disk (Larger metal "pully" that the cable goes around-directly over the rudder tube)  I can push it side to side just very slightly.  It could have always been there but is is almost like the bearings (if any) have loosened or have developed some play.
> If I turn the wheel back and forth quickly I can hear and feel the play.
> Any experiences out there with that?  Major concern before we get back to NC over the next week or so or do we need to get to the first haul out ASAP?  Safe bet is haul ASAP but how robust is the rudder system?  Fairly robust I am sure, but....Is this common and I just never noticed?  Any adjustments to make?  Do the cables come loose over time?  Had boat for several years now?
> Just asking for any major concerns out there or previous experiences like this.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net C (919)- 819-9794
>