Catalina 27 rudder shaft problem

[jmc1960]

My tiller and rudder are extremely difficult to move. It appears the rudder shaft may have been bent. First, can anyone explain how involved it is to remove, and second, is a bent shaft repairable, or should I seek out a replacement? Thanks in advance!! JMC

 

[JB]

Re: Catalina 27 rudder shaft problem

Howdy, JMC.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />Unless I am mistaken, a Catalina 27 is a sailing vessel. At least I never saw a 27' powerboat with a tiller. <br /><br />I think you will get more help on the Sailing Forum, so I will move this there.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[flashback]

Re: Catalina 27 rudder shaft problem

Welcome JMC, Well your problem is just about opposite what most folks experience. most of the time the rudder shaft tube wears until the rudder is sloppy! In any case, if the boat is out of the water, you can remove the rudder head, (the fitting on the top of the shaft that the tiller connects to and then the rudder should just slide out of the tube from below... if the boat is in the water, you will want to swim under and tie a line to the rudder before you remove the rudder head... this is to keep the rudder from going to the bottom incase it is no longer bouyant..it should float but in many cases the older ones are water logged to the point where they will sink. the shaft will be stainless steel tubing and can be straightend if not bent too badly, otherwise you will need to get a new one.....good luck and welcome to Iboats.......