Tatana 37, rudder

son · #1 09-09-2001

TRYING YO MAKE CONTACT WITH CAPITAIN DAVID BEASLEY,if anyone could help me with my reseach i would be forever gratefull..

isleofarran · #2 12-26-2001

I own a Tayana 37 cutter. During the last haulout I noticed considerable pitting on the gudgeons; pintles and skeg support. The rudder zincs are replaced annually and it appears to have started during the last two years[some time spent in marinas]. I have been using Pettit, Trinidad antifouling paint. Any ideas and also availability of replacement parts.
Joe

RichH · #3 12-26-2001

TaYang used a lot of 304 series stainless in the early series Tayanas which does not perform well in the marine environment. I''d also pull the prop shaft (also 304ss) and investigate also for shaft corrosion and galling near the stuffing box. You can contact the TaYang yard through either of the 3 current USA Tayana dealers, as dealing directly with TaYang can involve language difficulties. For replacement you can have the parts fabricated by a local welder who specializes in stainless steel. There is a hidden/buried copper grounding strap that connects all the rudder, etc. components; buried in the fiberglass of the ''deadwood'' and is connected from the cutless bearing housing to the skeg support. Many times when reinstalling a new cutless bearing a yard will omit or inadvertantly break this connection or will not affect a good electrical ground when reconnecting. Be sure that there is an electrical connection across the flexible shaft coupler between the transmission and the propshaft; and, be sure that the rudder zincs are actually electrically connected/bonded to the rudder strap and not just sitting on fiberglass!!!! Many Tayanas are also subject to corrosion on external gear due to corrosion on the bonding system terminal connections - as much of the bonding cable was not marine grade and you will probably find a LOT of corrosion in the terminal connectors. I''d also suggest that you scrape all the paint off the through-hulls and carefully inspect to see if they have not also become affected and have changed their chemical composition — become ''spongy'' and RED. I''d really suggest employing a knowledgeable marine electrician to search and evaluate for system leaks, etc. I use a galvanic isolator on my T37 to help control stray marina electrical currents. What''s your present location???
Hope this helps.
RichH (#423)

RichH · #4 12-26-2001

....addition. If you have the parts fabricated locally, I''d insist on finding a certified ''code'' welder or one who does *ASME Code* welding to be sure that the weld connections are correct and strong. .... You dont want your rudder falling off in the middle of the ocean because of a bad weld.

isleofarran · #5 12-28-2001

Rich
I''am presently staying at the Anchorage Marina,inner harbor, in Baltimore. All my fittings are bonded as are most Tayanas. As for the connections on the rudder, I have not noticed any wire when I replaced my cutlass bearing. I only noticed the pitting in the last haulout, all previous haulout revealed no such damage. Perhaps there is something going on in the marina. No reverse polarity is noticed as I monitor it constantly.Finding a qualified welder won''t present much problem, but the removal of the fittings without breaking up of the rudder poses some problems. I shudder at the thought of removing the whole rudder.I contacted the Tayana yard one month ago, as of yet, I received no reply. Unusual to ignore me for so long. At least I''am safe in the marina.
Joe

RichH · #6 12-28-2001

There is usually a copper strap that fits onto one of the bottom studs of the housing and thereafter is buried in the deadwood and electrically connects with the skeg support. You have to bend the strap away from the housing to remove it; it is normaly bent with 2 sharp 90 degree bends to fit precisely over the contour of the housing base and requires a complete removal of the attachment stud to free the housing. This connection bonds the rudder with the rest of the boat''s system. The alternative rudder bonding connection is through the rudder shaft bearing in the lazarette but since its through the bearing itself - should only be considered a secondary bond - if at all. If and when you do contact TaYang the question should be "how much corrosion allowance was built-in to the T37 rudder assembly".... or perhaps you should contact Bob Perry directly: www.perryboats.com. Perry usually will answer a "quick" question for free - sometimes not. You should also pose your question on the Tayana owners eMail group here on sailnet, as some of the group members seem to get through to TaYang on a regular basis. I do get into Bal''mer regularly, and would be glad to take a look - although my metallurgy is about 30 years stale.

isleofarran · #7 12-29-2001

Rich
Thanks for the advice. However, since I''am in the water, and will be for awhile there isn''t much to look at beneath the water line. If I''am not being personal, what is your profession? Do you charge, if so,what are your rates? It has been very kind of you to take the time out to give sound advice. Many times its a case of the blind leading the blind. THANKS
Joe