[planB]

Hello Sailors
I need help removing my rudder from my US Yachts 25. It's cracked and I need to do some fibreglass work. I don't have a dry close to where my boat is and need to take the rudder out in the water. I've removed all bolts, but seem to be getting caught on a sleeve inside. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[cousineddy]

Mine was on the trailer when I removed it. Probably had the same crack. There were two bolts that pass thru an aluminum collar and thru the rudder post underneath. I assume those are the bolts you are talking about. Then you have to turn the rudder back and forth as you pull down. That may be tuff in the water. Maybe you need to pound it out with something from the top?

I had to use a floor jack to re-install it after the repair. Can't imagine doing this in the water.

 

[SHNOOL]

My Capri 25 was the same way cousineddy describes... had to wiggle it down and out, and needed a jack and a block of wood to stabilize and raise the rudder into the sleeve (and compress the new bushing enough to get the bolts in). I would envision pounding the pipe from the top with PVC roughly the same size and a mallet, but with something to "catch" the rudder as it comes out...

Putting it back in in the water, I'd devise a series of ropes to "steer" the rudder from aft cleats or some such thing. Definitely doing it in the water will be much tougher, perhaps someone lifting from above while someone is in the water steering, I dunno. If you figure it all out, let us know how you were able to do it. Please don't lose the rudder to the bottom, when they break free, they break REALLY free.

 

[Faster]

Also.. it's difficult to predetermine whether the rudder/stock combo will want to sink or float.

In some way's it's easier if it sinks, it's easier to support and realign for the installation, and it's easier to get it down out of the tube as well. If it's somewhat bouyant, doing it in the water will be more difficult than it might be in any case.... but if it sinks, don't let go of it!!