Bent Rudder

[ram]

Had a survey done on a 36 convertible and found 2 things.
The rudder was bent slightly inward, blocking the ability to remove the shaft possibly. One prop was marked as being new in 95 but he one where the rudder was bent had no markings on it. Surveyor said possible to put come along on it to straighten it enough.....No vibration on sea trial noted.....
The other thing was smoke on start up....blue????....enough to notice but then gone in a minute, 2000hrs on 1985 Cats, 3208 t. Mechanical to be done next week, will keep informed.
RAM

 

[Avenger]

I had a rudder that was "slightly" bent. After I bead blasted it I found a crack in the shaft. (Cast bronze one-piece shaft and rudder). IIWY I'd pull it for cleaning and inspection.

 

[dsharp]

I wouldn't pull on the rudder with a come-a-long. The rudder stuffing box is not made to take that kind of load. You may be able to take the rudder out and straighten the shaft in a press but, it may be easier to make a new rudder shaft.

 

[ram]

I had a rudder that was "slightly" bent. After I bead blasted it I found a crack in the shaft. (Cast bronze one-piece shaft and rudder). IIWY I'd pull it for cleaning and inspection.

Thanks....How much did it cost you in the end? I will try to get that much off the price if possible.

 

[Avenger]

Sorry, you'll have to get a guestimate from a yard for the labor. I did the work myself during a haulout. The rudder from SAM's was almost $1,000 at the time. They're more now.

http://parts.samsmarine.com/PartSearch/LinkPart.cfm?ItemNmbr=48127

http://parts.samsmarine.com/PartSearch/LinkPart.cfm?ItemNmbr=48463

Also, in relation to what dsharp said, my rudder port was broken off at the flange. Didn't know until I pulled the rudder and half the port came out with it. So I wouldn't try to straighten it that way either. Both for the risk of doing more damage, and not knowing how extensive your current situation is.

 

[Boatnut]

I can't believe a good surveyor would suggest such a repair. The surveyor is working for you not the seller, this one sounds like he is working for the seller. If the people selling you the boat suggested the surveyor, find your own reliable recommended surveyor.

One thing you may want to think about. How did the rudder get bent, and what other damage is there they may not be telling you about. It's kind of hard to miss the props, and hit only the rudder. If there is vibration, it may be a bent shaft, props, gear damage; in one case I saw, the bottom was damaged. Check it out real good.

 

[ram]

I can't believe a good surveyor would suggest such a repair. The surveyor is working for you not the seller, this one sounds like he is working for the seller. If the people selling you the boat suggested the surveyor, find your own reliable recommended surveyor.

One thing you may want to think about. How did the rudder get bent, and what other damage is there they may not be telling you about. It's kind of hard to miss the props, and hit only the rudder. If there is vibration, it may be a bent shaft, props, gear damage; in one case I saw, the bottom was damaged. Check it out real good.

Exactly... The prop on the port side was stamped 1995 and the starboard side where the rudder is bent had nothing stamped on it at all. Makes me wonder why they never straightened the rudder when they changed the prop. I picked my own surveyor but he sent his partner because he had prior commitments he said. He said it looked like it had happened a while ago and was not that serious to worry about. I felt no vibration at sea trial. Dealing with a broker not owner. Thanks for your reply......

 

[ram]

Sorry, you'll have to get a guestimate from a yard for the labor. I did the work myself during a haulout. The rudder from SAM's was almost $1,000 at the time. They're more now.

http://parts.samsmarine.com/PartSearch/LinkPart.cfm?ItemNmbr=48127

http://parts.samsmarine.com/PartSearch/LinkPart.cfm?ItemNmbr=48463

Also, in relation to what dsharp said, my rudder port was broken off at the flange. Didn't know until I pulled the rudder and half the port came out with it. So I wouldn't try to straighten it that way either. Both for the risk of doing more damage, and not knowing how extensive your current situation is.

Thanks ....That's a good place to start

 

[Boatnut]

Exactly... The prop on the port side was stamped 1995 and the starboard side where the rudder is bent had nothing stamped on it at all. Makes me wonder why they never straightened the rudder when they changed the prop. I picked my own surveyor but he sent his partner because he had prior commitments he said. He said it looked like it had happened a while ago and was not that serious to worry about. I felt no vibration at sea trial. Dealing with a broker not owner. Thanks for your reply......

You're welcome. I have to ask, did the surveyor put a dial indicator on the sharfts to check? Every surveyor I have had has done it. Maybe one one the professional guys here can advise on this. If you haven't already asked around about surveyors, a check out might be a good idea. Not trying to find fault here, but there are surveyors, and then there are surveyors. I had a bad survetor once, it was enough for me. I learned the hard way. Good luck.