Replace Rudders 1985 DeFever 44
- Thread starter fferic15
- Start date
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
fractalphreak
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2018
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- Vessel Name
- Northwest Dream
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- Davis Vashon 42 Trawler (Defever design)
If you are with the boat, I would clean that up so you can see just what's going on. Generally those parts fixing the rudder gland are all bronze. If you can establish whats there now, you can start enquiring more. You'll have to remove the rudders to take that apart to repair; you'll want to see about making sure the boat is blocked so you can drop them down, so the top of the rudder stock will clear the hull bottom. Hopefully someone who has taken the rudders out on a 44 will chime in with details of what is under the bronze gland.
Comodave
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- Black Dog
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- Formula 41PC
Agree, it most likely can be cleaned up. With new bolts it should be good.
OP
OP
fferic15
Member
That’s correct, thank you. Very difficult to get competent mechanics?
OP
OP
fferic15
Member
Thank you, I hope so!
OP
OP
fferic15
Member
I’m hoping they’re in good condition?
SarahSeed
Member
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- Washington
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- Grand Banks
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- 2002 42 classic
Looks like both rudders need attention...definitely get parts lined up from California if you can, and double-check for any hidden corrosion while it’s out. A good haul-out inspection now will save headaches later 
proudsailor
Senior Member
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- Feb 11, 2017
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- Vessel Name
- Beulah
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- DeFever 44 OC
consider hopping on the DeFever forum. Lots of long time experienced owners w/ good advice specific to DeFevers to include sourcing parts, etc.
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fferic15
Member
Copy that! I have my feelers out. This will be my first experience with replacing flanges. Parts is an issue living in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Previous Owner ignored all maintenance on engines and components.
Comodave
Moderator Emeritus
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That was nice of him…
Comodave
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- Formula 41PC
I think it was just a statement of fact. I find it to be true in all walks of life.
- Joined
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- 49' Kha Shing Europa
Once you've completed cleaning up and changing out bolts, etc...., don't forget to run new bonding wires to protect the metals.
sparky66
Veteran Member
You post refers to replacing the rudders, but don't state why. Picture is of a rudder port with rusty hardware. There will likely be a Cutlass bearing in that and it is replaceable. Please explain what you think needs to be done and why.
proudsailor
Senior Member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2017
- Messages
- 134
- Vessel Name
- Beulah
- Vessel Make
- DeFever 44 OC
Also thinking your rudder tube may need to be re-bedded when hauled out. Screws in each corner go through the hull. My DF44 has a minor water leak that I now believe is just that as I tightened down the stuffing box so not getting water around the rudder post, but still see some at the base between the plate and hull. Hauling out this coming summer for paint and now a re-bed.
ronobrien
Guru
I would suggest using all bronze hardware.
lewycky
Member
Are you able to o the work on the rudders yourself or would you like some help from a local boater. Dennis
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