rudder post bearing

[jacksun12]

I have a 1985 Pearson 36, and I noticed recently that there is play on the rudder, both fore and aft as well as left and right. About a 1/4" to 1/2'' play. We are about to splash and I want to take care of it before the season,Is it something to be concerned about and what is involved in replacing? any thoughts would be appreciated

[paulk]

What needs to be fixed isn''t exatly clear from your message. You implicate the bearing, but it could also be the rudder post itself, or the rudder. (The rudder post may have come adrift inside the rudder --- it happens.) Replacing the bearing depends upon what''s there now. Sometimes people simply slide a new plastic sleeve into the tube, as a bushing, and they''re done for the next eight years. In any case, it should be taken care of before launching. This could also be a good time to re-pack the rudderpost stuffing box. Our previous owner neglected this, and water got in that is giving us headaches now, seven years later.