Rudder top bushing

[Fou Du Large]

Hello!

I will have to replace the top bushing of my c-34 rudder.

Do you have something to suggest?

Is that a big job to remove the top head in the cockpit?

I will manufacture the bushing myself in my machine shop, with acetal- delrin.

Thank!

[Ron Hill]

Fou : First always give your hull # and production year.  For your question, also tell us if you have a standard or walk thru transom.

If you have a standard transom it's an easy job  -- once you have the emergency tiller cap off.   

[Fou Du Large]

My C-34 is 1986 standard transom, hull  no: 58
We work my wife and me about 850 hours to restore our Cat.
She's beautifull now.
Yes i'm worry for the tiller cap...........

[Ron Hill]

Fou : I assume that you'll replace your bushing while the boat's on land? 
1.  Wedge a block under the rudder.
2.  Remove the emergency tiller cap.  You may have to cut the tiller cap up the side and insert a flat screwdriver to wedge the cap to remove it.  The factory has new caps for about $20.
3.  Replace the old one or if you still have vertical play just add another bushing.
4.  Use water re sisant grease or Lanacoat to coat the inside of the cap & new bushing to prevent corrosion.
5.  Replace cap.

While you have the cap off you might consider dropping the rudder down a few inches and grooving out the area where the stainless column goes into the rudder layup.  Then seal that area with 5200 to prevent any leakage into the rudder core.  If you have side play you might also consider sliding in some thin Mylar drafting strips to take up that play. 
Look in our projects page for rudder ideas.  Hope this helps.
A few thoughts.   

[Fou Du Large]

Ron:
Thank you again for your advice.
I will begin the job as soon as ``OCEANE `` will be out of water.

Bye!