bent rudder shaft

gtex · Newbie Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 29

You guys are going to think I'm a bad boater or just accident prone.

Anyway, we were out friday with 7 people aboard and we were cruising lake Austin to find the smooth water, running about 30mph. We hit a mostly submerged log. Immediately, I could tell the steering required much more muscle. Everything works and there are no extra vibrations etc. We finished our day and still got in some boarding for 5 passengers. Once out of the water we could see that the rudder shaft is bent slightly, making the rudder rub on the shaft housing. It looks like I might be able to rig up a jig to keep the rudder straight, then use some come-a-longs and straps to tug on the rudder using the trailer. The boatmate trailer appears to be strong enough.

Has anybody ever tried to straighten this? It only needs to move about a degree or such to provide clearance. If not, how hard is it to remove that shaft?

Supra 2004 22 SSV V Drive

thanks,
greg

grapic · Outlaw Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 192

The rudder is made from cast brass. Brass doesn't bend well, can break easily after bending. I bent a rudder like that once, dealer wouldn't accept responsibility for anything less than replacement. To change it out you remove the cable and connector assemly from the top of the shaft. Loosen a collar around the shaft and it comes out the bottom. With the bend you may have to apply a little force to get it out of the housing. The hardest part is reaching it under the engine.

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

Replacement highly recommended. Never attempt to straighten a rudder in the boat. You may make more trouble. Also, have the area inspected for other damage.

Wingnut337 · Newbie Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 19 City: Jacksonville

I just took my rudder to a prop shop and they straightened it for $40.00 I leave that stuff to the pros.

gtex · Newbie Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 29

Thanks guys. I ended up letting the dealer replace the rudder and shaft when they performed the 20 hours service. They really helped keep the cost down since we had those warranty issues at first. Kudos to South Austin Marine. they took care of teh rudder, teh 20 hours service and just about very other minor concern I had. I certainly hope my boating bad luck is done for a long time.

greg