Only the early P30s had aluminum stocks but they were recalled and replaced. Only ones out there with an aluminum stock are those that ignored or somehow missed the recall. Doubt the P28 would have had other than a SS stock as it was a later design.

 

Thanks Roverhi. Takes me a minute to respond as my android doesn't seem to care for sailnet. I got the Pearson 26 aluminum rudder shaft thang from a John Kretschmer (great author!) review in Sailing Magazine and from Dan "Mr. Pearson" Pfeiffer's website. You are right about the dates it looks like 76 was the year they moved away from any use of aluminum and only the 30s or the 26s were produced with them.
What a bad idea that was, eh?! What happens when you give the bean counters too much say in design.
As per you and these other sources I am going to assume it's stainless in the 28 though it is still comming out when I haul.
Chris

 

Pulling mine out today off my P26 if the trailler is high enuff, it's a 1976 hull #1104, well I'm hoping it's SS but expecting aluminium. D&R marine stock two size bushings but I haven't crossed anything to let me belive there are two shaft sizes. And yes Pyxis is a welth of info for any Pearson owner. Will folow up om my rudder repair project.

 

Heads-up, in case you don't already know that Rudy Nickerson at D & R Marine is the BEST source for NOS Pearson, O'day and CAL Parts.

DR Marine Category List

Rudder Bearings:

D & R Marine

D & R Marine
14 Water St
Assonet, Ma
02702

Ph 508 644-3001
Fx 508 644-3002

Disclaimer: I am NOT affiliated in any way with Rudy, or D & R Marine.

 

Thanks eherlihy!

 

Good luck with the rudder pull. Would be interested in the outcome.

Looks like the rudder on the 28 is one of those "dig a hole to get it out" sort of rudders; the sort I said I'd never get stuck with... ah well still love her, warts and all!

 

Yep so the rudder pull is a " dig a hole in the ground" kind of a job, since here in Quebec we are in a deep freeze so no way do dig a hole, maybe with C-4, luckly my boat is on a trailler so next weekend, just cause I didn't have the equipment at home, I'll bring my jacks from the garage, and try to let down the thung, the boat sits 40/60% over the axle so i figure if I lower the front by a foot it should give me around 1'2'' and I'm missing just under a foot. The project is for next saturday, so I'll post my result next saturday night. Have a good week to those reading me.

 

Update on my rudder pull. Tilting the trailer gave me the clearence needed, the rest is so easy, remove tiller, remove cross bolt and out it comes, it is quite heavy, two man job, if you pull the bolt out it will hit the ground hard, it must be around 100Lbs. Clearence, you meed 5-1/2 feet from the lower rudder bushing to ground, of course it comes out on a bit of an angle but this should give an idea of how much digging is involved. I would not try this in the water. So the rudder pull was the good news, the shaft is aluminium and has some wear but no oxidation so shaft strenth isn't compremised but will need some work. Now the lower bushing spun inside the shaft tube, this will need some rebuilding, I haven't read anything on this problem so I'll have to be crafty with this repair. It will be a few weeks before I can do the work because it's too cold to work epoxy. Will keep you posted.

 

Thanks NP26! Always a luxury to have "real time" experience on tap. Glad it went well and that the rudder stock appears to be in good shape. One of the benefits of a of being a fresh water sailor. Very good! I have to check with the paved yard I like to use to see if the rudder can be dropped while the boat is in the slings before they settle it on the stands otherwise may have to pull it while it is in the water. I know a diver who has experience with this sort of thing so hopefully that will be an option.

 

Could be easier to back the trailer up some wheel ramps than dig a hole under the rudder.

 

Greetings fellow Pearson folks. We are looking for a replacement rudder for our '75 Pearson 26. Ours got bent at the top of the rudder care of TowBoat and deep sand. The aluminum shaft is sleeved with a second outer aluminum sleeve. The sleeve split and bent, attaching a few pix. Not interested in attempting a sound and safe enough repair on this. Even though we are just lake sailors. Never know what the future may bring.

I have been in touch with Tim at DIY Marine Supply, and he has some close fits with a few similar rudders, that would need some up-fitting, but not any that are perfect plug n play Pearson Rudders.

I have seen the add's for the one source who has newly manufactured rudders for $1850. Hoping that someone may know of a Pearson 26' being parted out somewhere with a good used "correct" rudder

Re: Removal of the rudder:
If you can drop the rudder in the water before you pull out the boat, it's just too easy. Tie a line to the top of the rudder shaft, through the eye that the tiller handle bolts to, drop her down, and in the water, that almost 100lb rudder weighs pretty much nothing. It almost floats along as you pull the line in to "shore" . If already out, try to park somewhere that has a steep edge, parking lot, slight Berm, Cliff edge..!!! It is heavy though, so be carefull.

Thanks
Jim Fink & Barry Saunders
Kerr Lake, North Carolina.