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Post by super g on Nov 19, 2011 18:58:07 GMT
Just purchased a 2002 40DS, replacing my much loved Sunshine 36.
My helm gets stiff and creaks a lot when over 6 knots. I haven't lifted yet to investigate but looking at the rudder in the water appears very close to the hull. My thoughts are the rudder bearing and rubber mounts maybe be a little worn and the rudder is pushing back and rubbing on the hull.
I've looked at a nearby 40DS and I can see has a couple inches between the rudder top and the hull.
Is the rudder distance from the hull adjustable, and how is the adjustment achieved?
Can this be done in the water?
This is my first post!
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Post by MalcolmP on Nov 20, 2011 11:05:05 GMT
Just purchased a 2002 40DS, replacing my much loved Sunshine 36. My helm gets stiff and creaks a lot when over 6 knots. I haven't lifted yet to investigate but looking at the rudder in the water appears very close to the hull. My thoughts are the rudder bearing and rubber mounts maybe be a little worn and the rudder is pushing back and rubbing on the hull. I've looked at a nearby 40DS and I can see has a couple inches between the rudder top and the hull. Is the rudder distance from the hull adjustable, and how is the adjustment achieved? Can this be done in the water? This is my first post! Welcome to the forum. There is a thread that may give you some insight at: jeanneau.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=eq&action=display&thread=1523&page=2 I would first test what vertical play there is by trying to lift up/ push down on the quadrant - you may be able to rig a line through the emergency tiller plate to do this. Despite having to either dig a hole or have the boat lifted very high it is still probably much better to have the boat out of the water to investigate/repair, but as the rudder is likely to be buoyant and the rudder tube should be above the waterline - I would check first, in theory at least it should be removable in the water with the correct safeguards Sure others will have views and suggestions |
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Post by sitara on Nov 21, 2011 1:02:31 GMT
Check the idler pulleys under the steering pedestal, they were the cause of stiff steering and creaking in my SO29.2. Some lubrication solved the problem.
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Post by super g on Nov 21, 2011 7:57:46 GMT
I've made some furher investigations and the derin bearing looks like it push in another 7 mm, and the rubber bush is about 5mm proud of the GRP tube.
I've tried pushing it back down but will need more muscle power. my gut feeling is my lower bearing may have worn it's way into the rubber bush that surrounds it therefore allowing the rudder to raise higher in the hull.
she was professionally surveyed in July!
Thanks for the posts so far, particularly the link to the thread on rudder removal.
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Post by sailbleu on Nov 21, 2011 12:59:37 GMT
My rudder has been /or is occasionally creaking for 3 years now. Not steering stiff though.
If its a permanent stiff rudder I would disconnect the cables and see what is making it stiff , the steerwheel or de rudder itself. Dont need to go on the hard for that.
Regards
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Post by super g on Mar 16, 2012 19:48:24 GMT
I've now lifted the boat and gave the rudder a waggle. The lower nylon and rubber bushes have some play between them and the shaft tube. The shaft to nylon fit was if anything a little snug. It looks to me like the nylon bush has been locked on the shaft and instead the rubber rotating, though it move freely when tested.
I've dropped the rudder put on one layer of tape to build up the diameter of the nylon bush, heavily greased (the shaft)and put it back. The rubber and nylon are a very snug fit now requiring a car jack to push it home.
My initial thought were the nylon like bush is swelling and jamming on the shaft, but this was easily rotated by hand even shortly after she was lifted.
Anyway I've greased everything up and she goes back in on Friday. Wish me luck!
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Post by super g on Mar 31, 2012 7:14:09 GMT
All sorted! And what a difference a bit of grease makes. She is friction free right up to 9knots with badly set sails( narrow channel sailing solo is the excuse).
Tip1 for rudder removal: the two bulkheads that support the rudder stock tube make a deep triangular compartment that is very very difficult to retrieve dropped objects from. In future I'll cover this over with a bit of card.
Tip2: mine has two woodruff keys, the second was missed and ended up in the rudder tube, forcing us to remove the rudder and bearings completely. It was the same woodruff key that inspired tip1 as well
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Post by sailbleu on Mar 31, 2012 9:10:48 GMT
Too bad you didn't take any picture , that would of been splended.
But thanks for the info anyway.
Regards
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