Rudderstock Bearing / Bushing

Duke 7184 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008

My Morgan 32 has a full-skeg mounted rudder. Resently the steering became sutck. With some extra coaxing the rudder freed up enough for me to steer, but turning the wheel took more effort. I checked the for the obvious: steering cables, cable sheaves, etc. No problems were noted. However, I did noticed the rudderstock was moving vertically. Whenever weight was applied to the steering qudrant the rudderstock moved down about 1/2" then returned -as if the rudder was floating up.
I went into the water to to further check the rudder. In fact the rudder is making contact with the bottom of the boat. This inspection was by touch because the visibility was bad.
After returning home I reviewed pictures I had taken while the boat was hauled - undergoing bottom maintenance. I found there had been a bushing / bearing / spacer fitted around the rudderstock between the rudder head and the bottom of the boat.
My Questions: What is the correct name for this bushing / bearing / spacer?
Where can I go to find one?
Would one made from STARBOARD material last long enough to make it worth the effort?
Your information and suggestions will be appreciated.
Duke

timebandit · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008

I'll take a guess.

I would look for something that could fall off first.

Some kind of a bolt on the bottom of the rudder or a bushing with a flange that keeps the rudder from riding up or falling off.

I suppose it could be on top.

A name??

Thrust bushing or bearing?? Most likely made of bronze.

I don't see STARBOARD lasting--Maybe a cutting board.

What you have is like a car with a wolbly front wheel and putting air in the tire won't fix it.

Rick

Rockter · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008

What is the ship?

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008

Rockter-

Must run out of coffee in Scotland... he says it is a morgan 32 in the first line of the OP.

Duke 7184 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

timbandit, I think you are right.
Hopefully, this turns out to be no more than a lost nut and spacer. If I can get any kind of visibility, I am going to into the water for a good look. In the mean time I'm searching for components' specifiation type info. Example: Is it Bronze or SS?, What is the nut size and thread type? What is the spacer thickness?, etc. It would really help if I knew where I could find this info.

Capnblu · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

SD, how many of your 25,274 posts are just to point out stupid crap? Don't you have a life? If you can't help, DON"T. It seems more often than not, you just try to annoy others. Give a person a break, if they miss a point, we all know you do.

timebandit · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capnblu

SD, how many of your 25,274 posts are just to point out stupid crap? Don't you have a life? If you can't help, DON"T. It seems more often than not, you just try to annoy others. Give a person a break, if they miss a point, we all know you do.

Easy there Cap'n.

It takes a lot of patience just to read 25,000 posts and to type a response to them boggles my mind.

I see you joined about the same time but haven't daned to share much of your knowledge.

And

Sometimes humor between posters is unnoticed.

Rick