E 35/3 Rudder issues

[gabosifat]

Greetings Everyone,

Our 1986 E35 has some clunking in the rudder shaft. Most noticeable when the boat’s stern is being pushed around by a quartering sea while under sail in lighter winds. When the deck plate is off, you can see the shaft moving side to side a bit, and can hear the clunk. Seems better when I grease the zerc on the rudder post deck flange, but I’m guessing I need a more thorough fix.
Have never dropped the rudder, so would appreciate advice on doing this.

• How to diagnose where the play is?
• Sequence of dropping the rudder when on the hard
• Will replace the packing gland material at haul out
• Do I need to add shim material at the lower bushing, if so, what is the best material to use?

Many thanks to all who reply!
Cheers,
Steve Gabbott
E35/3 Silent Dancer
Gabriola Island B.C.

 

[Loren Beach]

Rudder bushing question

So...God knows I've read about many hacks since joining the sailing community, but this is a new one. Still in contact with the previous owner of my boat, which is nice when I have any questions, and while we were talking recently, he told me about his rudder bushing "replacement" a few years...

ericsonyachts.org

Please start with reply 13 in this recent thread. Our boat has that same top bushing and we more strongly secured it during our re-fit.
Major thanks to Christian for detailed info about this potential problem, in more than one thread.

 

[gabosifat]

Many thanks Loren!
Cheers,
Steve