[C320-list] Dropping rudder? maybe. Experiences out there?

[Jeff Hare]

Might also check with Warren Pandy at the Catalina factory to see whether you can adjust the packing gland or add new shims from inside the boat to tighten this up a bit (or from below with just partially dropping the rudder on land). Ideal case would be if you could just undo the packing gland and add Delrin shims or whatever they use.  But I really don't know the process first hand.  I vaguely recall something about adding shims to the rudder post assembly but could be mistaken.

-Jeff Hare

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Scott Westwood
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 4:59 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Dropping rudder? maybe. Experiences out there?

I "may" have to drop the rudder to eliminate some wobble. Preparing to install linear auto-helm.  Wobble is not bad so may not do it but...has anybody done that?  Looks like you remove the steering cable "disc" (has through bolt), then one bolt in the emergency tiller compartment.  How much does the rudder weigh?  Looks like I need to haul it and block it about 3ft higher to allow it to come out?  Any experiences?NOTE/FYI: CD has a kit for this so they must be aware. Short version: Drop rudder, wax rudder post, drill 3 holes around top and bottom of trunk, re-insert waxed rudder post, inject some sort of resin/filler, then let harden.




Thanks,




Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net C (919)- 819-9794