Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

[frustratedboater]

Boaters,

I have an 85' Mastercraft ski boat, 350, direct drive, and I am having steering issues. When under 3/4 throddle it seems like if I turn to the right or left, it is very hard to straighten it back out again, unless I back off on the throddle. I'm not too familiar with the rudder assemble, but is it true there are 'O' rings to prevent water leaks inside the housing? The rudder does have play in it and am fearing a worn shaft or housing. The cable and the clamp block has been replaced this past spring. I also gave the grease fitting some pretty healthy shots of grease from time to time.

Thanks,

~FB~

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

A good way to locate the problem is to seperate the 2 possibilties. Unhook the cable at the rudder arm. go to the rudder and pull it back and turn it. That will tell you if it's got problems. If not try turning you cable over 180 deg.

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

I will try that. Are there O-rings, or bushings in the housing? What is a good source for replacement on 85' boats? I appreciate your advice,

~FB~

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

you should have a stuffing box. You screw off the packing nut clean out the old packing and replace with new packing. Do a search on shaft log or rudder log packing. I dont think that will fix a binding problem.

 

[Bluesail661]

Re: Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

You will most likly not have O rings or bushings. The rudder is bronze and the rudder hosing bolted to the bottom of the boat is also bronze. As Lyle suggests, there will be a packing nut at the top of the housing where the rudder post comes into the boat. The packings only job is to keep water out. It is not a bearing. The bearing is the bronze rudder posts close fit into the housing.

It sounds like it turns normally until you are underway with a bit of throttle on. What is happening is the prop wash/pressure is casuing the rudder post to bind in the housing. This could be wear from being a 1985 boat (which is a good service life).

It may prove useful to drop the rudder out for an inspection. If it looks ok and not much wear, simply clean the surfaces, regrease them and reinstall the rudder. Might be a good idea to change the packing materinal as well which you will find under the packing nut at the top of the shaft.

If the shaft is worn from age, it may need to either be machined or replaced.


Let us know how you make out.


Chuck

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Mastercraft Steering Rudder..binding

I appreciate your through reply. I don't recall having a packing nut on the top of my rudder shaft, or housing, but a keyway and the arm clamps to the top shaft. I'll check again just to be sure, prehaps I missed it.

I did notice there was a bit of play when I pushed 'back and forth' the bottom of the rudder. I think what you're saying, about wear, might be the case. I'll have to pull it and see... I will keep you posted,

~FB~