In dager of losing a Naiad stabilizer fin ?

[piripucha]

During my last hauldout I noticed that my port stabilizer is completly free. i can move it without effort and does not move the hydraulic ram. I m worried that I could loose the fin since I belive the torque actuator arm is what holds the shaft and the fin . Should I be worried .?

 

[GJH]

Sure you should. What do you see when you look at the actuator assembly when someone turns the fin? How does it look different from the starboard side?

 

[Finalee]

During my last hauldout I noticed that my port stabilizer is completly free. i can move it without effort and does not move the hydraulic ram. I m worried that I could loose the fin since I belive the torque actuator arm is what holds the shaft and the fin . Should I be worried .?

Yes. Even if it does not fall off, it could cause a severe control problem when you can least afford it.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

Specially in reverse when trying to dock...

 

[Boatsb]

While its out get it fixed. Dont relaunch with a bad stabilizer. Too many things can go wrong.

 

[doc g]

unless i'm mis understanding........if the fin moves but the shaft does not., the fin could just have a loose bolt. those fins are on a long morse tapered shaft and have a bolt thru the fin into the end of the shaft. There is no keyway you should be able to line it up and torque the bolt to spec. The bolt is typically hidden under a rubber plug and you need a 3/4 inch ratchet with an extention to get to it.Cant recall what size the bolt is ..........Pat

 

[piripucha]

Let me explain better. When I move the fin the s haft turns but the the hydraulic ram and the torque arm do not. i am afraid that the splines either on the shaft or in the torque arm are damaged.thank all for your input.

 

[z28jimi]

Sorry if this is asking the "too obvious", but is the clamp bolt in the torque arm in place and secure?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Call Naiad and explain the situation and they will tell you what to do.

 

[piripucha]

Ok let me give you all an update of what I found after taking apart the upper part of the stabilizer. The shaft and torque arm splines are completly gone thanks to a small seepage of water that corroded the iner part of the arm. The shaft upper nut was gone so I replaced it. I am waiting for the naiad manual in order to order the new parts. I would probably have to order new seals,bearings and the shaft and the torque arm, unless I can get it machined locally. I am afraid a big expense is coming up. There goes the retirement fund !!
Thank for he comments.

 

[Finalee]

What was the final verdict on your problem?

 

[piripucha]

The final veredict is that due to water seeping up, the splines on the shaft and the torque arm are completly eroded. I ordered the new seals and bearings. I will do the work next january because the marina down here shuts down because of cristmas. I will remove both stabilizers in order to give them a complete overhaul. I hope I got all the parts but this is wishfull thinking because mechanical gremblings are shure to appear. Wish me luck !!

 

[bobk]

Naiad can advise on what all you need. Very helpful folks.

Bobk