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Misaligned Rudders

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by tball, Aug 30, 2006.

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  1. tball, Aug 30, 2006
    #1
    tball

    tball New Member

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    I am working on a 120' 1966 motoryacht. Our rudders are misaligned by about 3/4" in height. The managament does not want to fix them. I am looking for some good reasons why the rudders should be algined. Any input would be helpfull
  2. K1W1, Aug 30, 2006
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    There could be a number of reasons why the rudders appear to be uneven in height.

    Are you measuring the top of the blades against each other or the very top of the stocks?

    Are the top of the Rudder Stocks inside the boat the same height?

    I am assuming the top seal is a gland packing on a boat that old, are the Stuffing Boxes even in height?

    How are the Blades attached to the Stocks?
  3. tball, Aug 30, 2006
    #3
    tball

    tball New Member

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    I have measured from the end tip of the rudder to the hull bottom. My main question is what are the consquences in leaving it that way.
    Cheers
    Tony
  4. K1W1, Aug 30, 2006
    #4
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Are the Rudder Blades the same size?
  5. tball, Aug 30, 2006
    #5
    tball

    tball New Member

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    yes they are identical shape and size
  6. chriscritchett, Aug 30, 2006
    #6
    chriscritchett

    chriscritchett New Member

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    tball,
    The only thing I can think of that I would worry about in this situation, providing you aren't currently experiencing any problems with the steering, is whether or not the one rudder is lower because it's slipping out of the boat. The rudder will be held up in the boat either by a clamping device within the steering gear or by a collar or other fitting on the stock. Check this attachment carefully to make sure it's not loose and allowing the rudder to slip downward under its own weight. Losing the rudder will leave you a big hole in the boat, so it's well worth the trouble to confirm that everything is secure.
    If nothing is loose or showing signs of slipping over the years, I can't imagine that 3/4" of height misalignment on an old boat of that size will make the least bit of difference.
    Just my 2 cents, hope it helps.
    -Chris
  7. TSI AV, Sep 16, 2006
    #7
    TSI AV

    TSI AV Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Suspicious. All this can be very serious / safety compromising.

    1. Check out drwgs carefully.

    2. Compare both attachments of stocks PS / SB in fact.
    Everything is secured ?

    3. Any bearings there ? Or a wear-bushes ?

    4. How many steering gears and what type ?

    If Your management does not want even to CHECK deeply,
    Then something wrong with a management...

    In this case, I would appoint a class surveyer on this matter immediately. May be this will change their mind...

    Gentlemen, hold Your rudders !!!

    P.S. If You are really interested in solution, please give "us" some drwgs / pictures. Will gladly assist You.

    Rgds,

    Andrei