HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Things that are of general interest.
Post Reply
jtalberts
Aluminum Star
Posts: 133
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:30 pm

HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by jtalberts »

Changing Rudder Bushings
This repair pertains to twin engined Marinettes, but the single screw models are similar. On my 1985, the port rudder was very sloppy in the bearings after 20 years of use. The starboard side—that doesn’t do as much work (the linkage comes in on the port side)—was in good shape. New bushings are available from Marinette Yachts, and they MUST be non-metallic.

The first step is to remove all the linkages and stuffing boxes, after which the rudders should drop right down with a minor push. The boat needs to be elevated enough for the rudder AND the post to come out, so if you’re planning to do this, be sure to have the boat blocked nice and high. That means the height of the rudder PLUS the length of the shaft inside the boat.

Removing the old bushing was a royal pain until I learned about a “magic” bushing removal tool, which is pictured in the “Tools“ photo: a lathe chisel that is sharpened backwards (so it cuts from the outside). It does a great job of getting the remains of the bushing out of there. (I also used it for removing the prop shaft bushing someone had epoxied in.) The first step to removing the bushing is to saber saw through the rubber and bakelite material for the length of the bushing (about 3 inches). Make this cut in several locations about the bushing—say, every 45 degrees. With luck the bushing will disintegrate and, with a little help from the “magic” tool, the rest will come right out.

Next comes cleaning the inside of the pipe, so the new bushing will go in without hanging up. I used a one inch drum sander for this task, complete with an extension shaft to get way down inside the pipe. The “Go gage” show in the “Tools” photo is used to ensure there are no obstructions left to hang the bushing up. The OD of the gage is just under what the pipe ID should be, so if it goes through okay, the bushing will fit nicely. Finally, one of the bushings had so corroded the aluminum pipe that the bushing was too loose, so I applied some PC-7 marine epoxy (Ace or True Value Hardware) to keep it in place.

Note: All of the tools shown in the photo are available, free of charge, to anyone doing this repair. Just pay the shipping costs, both ways.

Tools used in repair:
Image

Port Rudder Linkage:
Image

Another view:
Image

Crack in Rudder Tie Bar:
Image

Stuffing Box Assembly:
Image

Port Rudder Bushing in Place:
Image

Port Rudder Linkage in Place:
Image

Starboard Rudder Linkage in Place:
Image
1973 Marinette Seacrest Executive
41x14
Twin Chrysler 340's with Velvet Drive 71C
"Figment"
javalin390
Royal Aluminum Star
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:14 pm

Re: HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by javalin390 »

Do you have the replacement parts numbers for the nylon plastic stuffing box and the new rudder bushings? I'd also like to upgrade to stainless rudders, do you know anyone that makes them. My boat is a 37' twin screw, so do you know the dimensions of the rudder blades?
Jim Elias
1974 37' SedanFlybridge
Twin 360 Chryslers.
Marblehead, Ohio
jralbert
Site Admin
Posts: 885
Joined: Fri Jul 11, 2014 9:15 pm

Re: HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by jralbert »

"... be sure to have the boat blocked nice and high...

-and if that is not possible, dig a hole under the rudder to give it room to drop. Which, if you are on hard paving, the marina may not appreciate
-joel-
former owner 1988 '32 FB Sedan
Chesapeake Bay
twin 318 / 240 hp
Potomac MD
User avatar
bill
Royal Aluminum Star
Posts: 520
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:17 am
Location: Grosse Ile MI

Re: HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by bill »

javalin390 » Sun May 03, 2015 9:49 pm

Do you have the replacement parts numbers for the nylon plastic stuffing box and the new rudder bushings? I'd also like to upgrade to stainless rudders, do you know anyone that makes them. My boat is a 37' twin screw, so do you know the dimensions of the rudder blades?

BigM
Do a goggle search for nylon stuffing stuffing box parts. :?
:idea: replace with bronze packing boxes (stuffing box) similar to the type used on the propeller shafts ;)

Go to the vendors list on this site for replacement stainless steel rudders. :roll:

Also when you get a chance please add a signature to your posts.. :mrgreen:
Former owner of
ALUMINATION
Grosse Ile MI
Located on LakeErie
37' F/B Sedan
1975
Twin 360 Chrysler Marine
Raw water cooled
Hydraulic steering both helms
USCG Master Lic. Retired[/color]
Third Owner bill
javalin390
Royal Aluminum Star
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:14 pm

Re: HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by javalin390 »

Thanks Bill. I've been trying to figure out how to make my signature, but I don't know how. I thought I saw a post for it, but now I can't find it.
Jim Elias
1974 37' SedanFlybridge
Twin 360 Chryslers.
Marblehead, Ohio
barkleydave
Site Admin
Posts: 410
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:18 am
Location: Kentucky

Re: HOW TO: Change Rudder Bushings (Fastjeff Page)

Post by barkleydave »

Click on your username upper right corner
Click on User Control Panel
Left side click on "edit signature"
Type signature

safe boating,
dave
1987 Marinette 29 FB Sedan
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
Post Reply