I-28 rudder stuffing box?

downeast450 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-27-2010

While I am on the hard I should replace the cutlass bearing and that means dropping the rudder. Does anyone have any experience with the rudder assembly on a 1977/78 vintage I-28?

Thanks,

Down

28islander · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2010

Hi Down, I have a 1977 2I8, currently on the hard. I plan on removing my rudder soon. Should be able to give you an update within a couple of weeks.
Paul

downeast450 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010

Paul,

That will be helpful. thanks. I have been hijacked by important family stuff but hope to back to work on Tundra Down in a week or so.

Down

Skipaway · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010

Another I-28 watching this thread! It needs its prop shaft strut re-bedded, and perhaps some prop work. I hadn't even thought about the rudder, so thanks for that addition to my planning.

downeast450 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010

Charlie,

I will be replacing the cutlass bearing this winter and want to pull the shaft to do it. Getting the rudder out of the way will help and doing some maintenance on that makes sense, too.

Down

28islander · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010

Well, I removed the rudder this weekend. No big deal. I'm on the hard so I dug a little hole to lower the rudder down into. Just removed the tiller and cap. The rudder just slid down into the hole and clear of the boat. A little heavy but not bad. The rudder post is stainless and just rides in a plastic tube glassed into the boat. I have some play between the tube and post and was hoping there was some type of bearing to replace. No such luck. I did find some information on using west systems epoxy and graphite powder to fix the problem. Rudder Bushing Repair Details - Pearson 26 and home The procedure is not on a 2I8 but the issue is the same. I will probably try this.
Paul

Skipaway · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010

I am pleased to hear how "simple" the rudder dropping went.

A bit curious about your description. Photo is of my ruder post - note the zerk fitting. Which implies, to me, that there is a bearing there.

28islander · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

Yes, there is a zerk fitting. In fact there were two on mine, one at the upper end and one at the lower end. The lower one has been removed and glassed over because of a leak in the past. I was also hoping a bearing or two to be present but the installation is much more simple than that. Check this link referred to in my previous post as "home" it is from a catalina site. home
The drawings on the page are identical to the rudder installation on my boat.
Paul

Skipaway · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

Thanks for that. Now I learn that bearing grease is not appropriate! (To much time on cars - if it has a zerk fitting, it gets grease.)

joelozzy · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2011

Islander 28,

The link to the Catalina 38 example of repairing a rudder tube w/grease zirks is broken. Apparently they've re-designed their websites and not re-directed old links. Oh well.

But could you, or anyone else that happened to view this link before it was broken, please provide a synopsis of the main points? Am interested as to why bearing grease shouldn't be used to lube the rudder shaft. Also, if there were any other specific points mentioned that are directly applicable to the Islander 28 rudder housing.

Ever since I pulled the rudder when on the hard in September of '09, there's been play in the shaft. Most likely this is due to the removal of a thin plastic sleeve that was broken in several pieces on the bottom end of the rudder shaft. Didn't replace with any material. Will look for some thin plastic next sheet that I can wrap around the end, or do the graphite repair as shown in the West System manual.

Any additional info from the Catalina 38 link that may be helpful, please feel free to share. Cheers.