Bottom of hull rudder post issue

[George Da Porge]

I’m getting a new rudder for our Catalina 30. In the process, I looked very close at the bottom of the hull/rudder post. See the attached pics. The surface at the bottom of the post is not flat. It rises toward the stern. From all appearances this is how the boat was built. The new rudder will have a thrust washer at this location, as did the other rudder. Is this non-contact area something to be concerned about and corrected? I will be repairing the cracks you can see around the post. Note: The piece of wood in the one pic isn’t really square to anything – I used it as a reference to a straight surface.
Any comments appreciated! I will be on the road for the next week or so, so if I don’t reply to a post right away, that’s why. Thanks!

[Boatyarddog]

It is how it was made.
As the rudder is buoyant, the washer on the post is to help with upward thrusting and contact with the bottom of the tube and wear at that point.
Re Glass at the post area to fill in those cracks.
The rudder may slope up at the post,or not, toward the transom, so you want to leave this area as is, no build up.
The washer should just fit in this area without much overhang of the washer edges.
You can try it to fit it better.
The rudder packing gland keeps the water out.
Repack the gland, silicone grease in the tube, no petroleum grease on rudder tubes.


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[George Da Porge]

Thanks BYD. The rudder does angle up aft of the shaft. I'll have to check the fit with new rudder. Also - this boat has no packing gland. The tube runs right up to the quadrant, which is positioned right below the cockpit floor.


Happy sailing, everyone!!

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by George Da Porge

Thanks BYD. The rudder does angle up aft of the shaft. I'll have to check the fit with new rudder. Also - this boat has no packing gland. The tube runs right up to the quadrant, which is positioned right below the cockpit floor.


Happy sailing, everyone!!

Oh, ok, top of the post not loose?
Good deal if not. Great boats love them.


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