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Rudder movement cs_mckillip

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Ericson33
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Initially Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:36:26

From: "chris mckillip"
Date: Mon Dec 13, 2004 10:52 am
Subject: Rudder movement cs_mckillip

I have read that the rudder has a fix to the wobble in the shaft. My
problem is not that it moves from side to side but it has about 3/8"
space from the top of the rudder to the hull. Does anyone have a fix
for this problem. I would also like to stiffen up the free play the
rudder has. it seems like it is very free moving side to side.

Chris McKillip

C.S. McKillip
Ericson 33

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:23:21

Ericson33
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Response Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:37:15

From: Skipper Rick
Date: Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:16 am
Subject: Re: [Capri25] Rudder movement

Chris,

The only mention I've seen on this is on the WYC Capri
25 web site:

http://www.wyc.org/capri25/tips.htm#Rudder%20Wobble

You probably already saw that one.

I'd give Catalina a call and see if they have a
suggested fix.

Let us know how you make out.

Rick

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:23:42

Ericson33
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892 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:45:46

From: "kaikroll"
Date: Tue Dec 14, 2004 3:54 pm
Subject: Re: Rudder movement

Rudder Fix:

I had the same wobble problem and a misaligned rudder/keel. As you
all know by now the Capri-25 is fun, but poor quality. To use a car
analogy, I would say it is an MG. I previously owned an Ericson 27,
which was like a Mercedes 300 Diesel - incredible quality, but not
real sporty.

Back to the wobble. I researched this and wasn't satisfied with any
of the solutions. They were either too expensive or not durable.
We came up with what I think is a reliable and cheap solution.

I had a friend machine two nylon (I think it was nylon) bearings to
fit over the rudder post (top and bottom). They are approximately
1/8 in thick and 2 in tall. We then ground away fiberglass to fit
the bearings (again-top and bottom). It was an iterative process
requiring three people (2 to hold rudder top and bottom and 1 to
sight rudder keel alignment). To get the alignment right, we ground
away fiberglass to create elliptical holes.

When the alignment looked good, we simply epoxied them in place with
the rudder attached. We also added a little fiberglass to the
rudder shaft support where it was thinned from within the hull. The
bearings did not stick. At first we thought this was a problem, but
it works fine. The bottom one typically rests on the rudder (1/4
inch below hull). We now have 2 hard seasons on the fix and
probably still have one of the best rudders. Essentially zero
friction, no play, and well aligned.

I hope this helps.
Kai

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:24:03

Ericson33
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Response Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:46:53

From: "chris mckillip"
Date: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:46 am
Subject: Re: Bearing style rudder fix

For not being a draftsman I think that you did really good. What did
you use to grind out the fiberglass that was existing. Is this the
basic way of adding the ball bearings to the shaft. I looked at my
rudder yesterday and Mine has a nylon washer between the hull and
the rudder? There is still a good 3/8" gap here. I really just want
to get the play out of the shaft (up and down movement) I would also
like a way to stiffen the free movement of the shaft. ( I am talking
about the boat here). Dam this soounds bad. anyway. have you ever
heard of using expoxy and a graphite mixture. By pulling the rudder
down and pouring this mixture into the shaft then reinstalling the
top cap. Next day giving the rudder a good wack to break the expoxy
from sticking? I read this in Sailing World.

Chris McKillip

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:24:20

Ericson33
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Response Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:47:27

From: Kai Kroll
Date: Wed Dec 15, 2004 5:02 pm
Subject: Re: [Capri25] Re: Bearing style rudder fix

Chris:

If up-down play is your concern, why don't you just
add some washers under the tiller
attacherthingamajiggy?

Not sure what you are referring to with the "ball
bearing" question. My "fix" I believe to be original.
Others tear out everything and add a new rudder post
holder and fiberglass it in or simply wrap teflon
material around the post.

Re breaking bond, that sounds believeable (we had
similar experience without graphite, but I would
prefer to use some mold release or grease.

BTW, at the moment I could care less about the boat
and summer sailing. I am trying to get an iceboat
ready before we get too much snow.

Kai

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:24:39

Ericson33
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892 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2006 : 13:48:10

From: "chris mckillip" >
Date: Wed Dec 15, 2004 5:10 pm
Subject: Re: Bearing style rudder fix

I saw the video of you guys on the Wyc page with the iceboats. Thoes
things scream. Looks like allot of fun.

Chris McKillip

here is a link to the video http://www.wyc.org/video/iceboat2002b.rm
you have to have real media player installed.

Edited by - Ericson33 on 03/29/2006 16:24:59

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