Rudder Redux-afterthoughts

[rognvald]

I completed the installation of my rebuilt rudder and new steering system over the 4th of July holiday. I have a few comments to share with those who undertake a project of this magnitude which I hope will be helpful.
1. If you do a complete rebuild of a rudder, it is best to be done as a Winter project since it is a very labor intensive process.
2. If ordering a new drive wheel(quadrant), use a micrometer to get an exact measurement of your shaft. If it is a solid shaft, this is very straightforward; if it is a hollow shaft--take several readings along the length of the shaft to get a close running average to a thousandth of an inch. This will allow the vendor(in my case Edson) to machine the bore to a perfect tolerance.
3. If your system uses shaft collar(s), I recommend using a split collar with the bolts mounted on the same side for a simpler installation. Also, have a set screw machined into the collar for redundancy. A good source that I'd recommend is Ruland: www.ruland.com/‎ who provided a quality collar and were willing to discuss my project even though they focus on large industrial orders.
4. Coat all bolts/mounting hardware with Tef-Gel and all dissimilar metal mating surfaces with Corrosion Block.
5. Before installing your rudder, use the two part Woody Wax to treat your shaft.
6. If you have minor crevice corrosion at the interface of the shaft and the top of the rudder, treat with a rust product(Ospho/West Marine) to neutralize the rust, sand with 80 grit, wipe with Acetone and fill the voids with JB Marine Weld.
7. If you have a competent helper, allow 5 hours to re-assemble.
8. Be certain to check the alignment of the blocks that control the quadrant wire and check for lubrication and corrosion.
9. Find a local machine shop for any necessary tweaking to insure a quality installation.
Finally, a special thanks to those on this Forum that intelligently commented on my numerous inquiries as I planned the deconstruction and rebuild of my rudder as well as the requirements for a successful and quality rebuild of my steering system. Good luck, good sailing . . . and finally. . . a well anticipated launch this week.

[HappyMdRSailor]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!



Yours was a fantastic storytelling and excellent follow up comments...

Mine went spectacular... I'll write something up with pics to share...

Great job man!

[Saltyhog]

I read

5. Before installing your rudder, use the two part Woody Wax to treat your shaft.

as

5. Before installing your pudder, use the two part Woody Wax to treat your shaft.

and thought I was somehow on entirely the wrong forum.

Nice job and write-up.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Saltyhog

I read

5. Before installing your rudder, use the two part Woody Wax to treat your shaft.

as

5. Before installing your pudder, use the two part Woody Wax to treat your shaft.

and thought I was somehow on entirely the wrong forum.

Nice job and write-up.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
+1