Rudder removal

Barquito · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

I am worried the hose on my rudder stuffing box needs replacing on my Bristol 27. It is hard to get to, but it feels like the hose clamps are digging into the hose a bit. First, does this sound like something I need to do this season. Second, I assume this means I would need to drop the rudder to replace the hose. I would like to know if there is any other way to replace the hose without completely removing the rudder.

If not, how is rudder removed? Are there bolts on the rudder shoe buried in epoxy?

Barquito · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

Here is the rudder shoe.

BELLATRIX1965 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

Yup, that rudder/stock will have to come out to change that stuffing box hose. Chances are, that gudgeon bearing at the bottom of the rudder is a wrap-around bronze piece that is bolted, or more likely riveted (with bronze round stock) through the keel. You probably need to remove the bottom paint and fairing in that area to check, unless another owner can fill you in. This is what I had to do on my boat, and it was a pretty big (but do-able) job. Then, you have to either lift the boat or dig a deep trench to drop the rudder out. FUN!

Barquito · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2011

Quote:

Chances are, that gudgeon bearing at the bottom of the rudder is a wrap-around bronze piece that is bolted, or more likely riveted (with bronze round stock) through the keel.

If this turns out to be the case, how do I remove and re-install rivets?

BELLATRIX1965 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2011

I carefully ground the "mushrooms" off of one side, then drove the rivets through and out with a long steel drift pin.

Replacement "rivets" were bronze round stock, cut a bit long, inserted through the assembly, and then peened (hammered) to mushroom the ends. The peening is a two-person process, one holding a sledge hammer head against the opposite side from that being hammered. It's not as difficult as it sounds!

Plumbean · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2011

Can't quite make out how your stuffing box is set up, but I would look into alternatives before settling on dropping the rudder. Jefa makes a gaiter system and will supply it with glue so that you can assemble it around the shaft for exactly this situation. Have not used it, so don't know how well it works. See Jefa Rudder bearings

mitiempo · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2011

The Jefa gaiter system is designed to be installed above the waterline only. It would require a glassed in rudder tube that extends above the waterline and a lower bearing. It is best to drop the rudder and re-do the stuffing box as original. Rebuilding the entire system would cost a lot more - both in time as well as money.

Tree · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2011

Hi. I assume you are the same person who asked this question on the Bristol Boat owners forum.

I also answered your question there. But because of a previous post here that might lead someone to do the wrong thing, I thought I best post here too.

I have a B 27. I have done this job recently.

Looking at your photo I would say that your packing gland hose does not look all that old. But I would say that if there is any chance that it is original equipment, or it is damaged.....it should be replaced. If this hose were to fail, you would be in a lot of trouble.

Now. About how to drop the rudder on a B 27.

There is a bronze pin that is about 6 inches long that fits in the rudder shoe and sticks up into the bottom of the rudder.

It is held in place by a brass bolt that goes from side to side. This side to side bolt is hidden. Look at this Picture

Sand off a little of the bottom paint in the area shown and look for the "soft putty" that is covering up this bolt. The bolt is brass so be careful but when you find the right spot, clean out the soft stuff to expose the bolt on both sides. After your remove the bolt, the pin will come out the bottom of the keel (rudder shoe).

If it doesn't "drop" out, you will need to use mechanical advantage. The pin has a threaded hole in the bottom. I think I remember that it is 1/4 inch. ... But it may be smaller. Here is a picture looking up at the underside of the rudder shoe.

Caution, the angle of the pin to the bottom of the shoe is not 90 degrees. You will need to make a wedge that will correct the angle of pull when you put the 1/4 inch bolt into the bottom of the pin. You should put a nut and large fender washer on the bolt that you screw into the bottom of the rudder pin. Then hold the bolt head with one wrench and crank on your bolt, you will to start to pull the pin out. (don't forget the wedge)

After the pin is out, the rudder will move to the side and drop down.

If you need more information just ask.

BELLATRIX1965 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree

I have a B 27. I have done this job recently.

After the pin is out, the rudder will move to the side and drop down.

If you need more information just ask.

There you go - good info from another owner with the same vessel!

I'll second Mitiempo's comment - this is a thru-hull that you are dealing with - if in doubt, change it out!

Plumbean · #10 (**permalink**) 03-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitiempo

The Jefa gaiter system is designed to be installed above the waterline only. It would require a glassed in rudder tube that extends above the waterline and a lower bearing. It is best to drop the rudder and re-do the stuffing box as original. Rebuilding the entire system would cost a lot more - both in time as well as money.

Absolutely agree if this is below the water line.