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06-19-2014, 11:32 AM
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#1
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Veteran Member
City: San diego
Vessel Name: COWBUOY
Vessel Model: 1974 chb
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 67
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Bent rudder repair?
I'm wondering how easy it would be to straighten a bent rudder. Its not terrible but at some point in the past the PO smashed the swim step on something and probably bent the rudder slightly at the same time. Its probably bronze I would guess. Anyone know what something like that would cost to have done? Can I hammer it back to straight myself without making it worse? Couldn't find anything in the archives on this subject...
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Wilson
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06-19-2014, 11:36 AM
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#2
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Guru
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,148
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We would straighten the assistance towboat rudders all the time in a hydraulic press or even on the boat sometimes depending on the bend.
Often they don't straighten back exactly depending the way the metal is heated before pressing some rudders together or just the way they bend. At slow speeds a slightly offset or angled rudder shouldn't be a huge deal performance wise. We found that a bent rudder shows up more in backing than forward motion.
If a stainless shaft (possible) not that easy or even recommended.
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06-19-2014, 11:38 AM
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#3
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Guru
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,037
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilson
Can I hammer it back to straight myself without making it worse? Couldn't find anything in the archives on this subject...
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That depends on your skill level. A shop would probably use a press and some supporting blocks or parallels.
You could use 2x4s as parallels and hammer it straight if you have a decent "eye".
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Jay Leonard
Ex boats: 1983 40 Albin trunk cabin, 1978 Mainship 34 Model 1
New Port Richey, Fl
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06-19-2014, 03:47 PM
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#4
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Guru
City: Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,438
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After hurricane Andrew I got stainless steel one straightened with the bucket of a front end loader in the Bahamas. Cost me a case of beer.
So I'm sure most any machine shop could do it. I'd say you're looking at a $100 or less repair. Unless you get into welding and grinding.
Are you talking about the shaft or blade being bent ?
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06-19-2014, 05:42 PM
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#5
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Guru
City: Hotel, CA
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 8,323
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I'll second taking it to a machine shop. Preferably one located far away from the waterfront. Both you and your wallet will be happy with the outcome.
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Craig
It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they've been fooled - Mark Twain
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06-19-2014, 06:42 PM
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#6
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Veteran Member
City: San diego
Vessel Name: COWBUOY
Vessel Model: 1974 chb
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 67
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Its just the blade thats bent a bit. Sounds like its not that big a deal.Thanks guys I'll let you know what I did to fix it with some pics if its more interesting than taking it to a shop.
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Wilson
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06-20-2014, 02:05 AM
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#7
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Guru
City: Perth
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,314
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilson
Its just the blade thats bent a bit. Sounds like its not that big a deal.Thanks guys I'll let you know what I did to fix it with some pics if its more interesting than taking it to a shop.
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Run with it and see. It may assist in your slow speed manoeuvres.
Sent from my iPad using Trawler Forum
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Builder and former owner of MV SOLSTICE
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06-20-2014, 06:59 AM
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#8
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Guru
City: Solomons Island Md
Vessel Name: Fryedaze
Vessel Model: MC 42 (Overseas Co) Monk 42
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,721
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I have one that is bent. Its a smooth curve top to bottom, with the middle out by maybe a 1/4" to 3/8". It doesn't impact me. Considered fixing it but left as is.
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06-20-2014, 09:44 AM
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#9
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Guru
City: Walnut Grove Ca
Vessel Name: Cary'D Away
Vessel Model: Hatteras 48 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
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If it is a bronze rudder before you go pounding on it make sure it's solid and not suffering from electrolysis. If the rudder when tapped has a dull sound or pinkish color it may be very brittle and need replacing. Bronze in good shape is very malleable and easy to work with. I have seen struts and rudders straightened with a porta power or hydraulic jacks right on the boat. I wouldn't do this on a wood boat however.
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