Broken Rudder Head

nskinn · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009

Does anybody have a rudder head that they don't need anymore? I would like to buy one that will fit a 3/4 inch rudder shaft.

Here are a few photos of my broken rudder head:

http://imgur.com/cBdEV.jpg

http://imgur.com/jcY0x.jpg

http://imgur.com/Z3FWQ.jpg

http://imgur.com/NnxEK.jpg

merc2dogs · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009

May have one in the garage, I'll have to measure it though.
Was in a bunch of 'junk' I received in a trade.

Any idea why the old one failed? They are normally pretty durable, wearing out is rare, but actually breaking is a new one on me. Wasn't mounted 'backwards' was it?

Ken.

nskinn · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009

I'm not sure why it broke. I just bought the sailboat about 2 weeks ago. It's my first boat.

That would be great if you have one that fits!

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009

Given his photo, it does look like it was mounted in reverse and used with all the load on the bolt alone, rather than on the sides of the rudder post cap...

nskinn · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009

I have seen a couple of other sailboats with the rudder head installed backwards.

Did some sailboat manufacturers install them backwards or do the owners or mechanics accidentally do it?

xsboats · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009

The rudder head is usually mounted in accordance with the keyway on the shaft. The keyway on the rudder head is usually on the solid side as opposed to the split side of the rudder head. It could be that the rudder head had been replaced by a previous owner with one that was configured differently. Spartan manufactures rudder heads which are available from RigRite. Be prepared to drop $$$$ for them , as they are very proud of their product.

merc2dogs · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009

Sorry, finally managed to dig them out, both of them are for one inch shafts, so looks like you need to keep looking.

Ken.

merc2dogs · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009

Just thought, If you know anyone with a MIG welder, you can bet silicon bronze wire for them. Needs to be MIG (with gas) not just a 'wire welder'

Have them 'build' a new ear with new weld, then file and drill.
It's a fairly common procedure in metal repairs, just keep building on the bead till you have sufficient thickness for the part you need.

I've actually built 'castings' using nothing but weld and a washer to start with.

Ken.