The latest "first" for me is I need to drop my rudder to remove the shaft and then insert the new one. (Long story short is that I have not been able to install shaft, key and coupling adequately for safe and dependable operation. So I made the decision to haul and do this on the hard). I suppose I could hacksaw the prop into little pieces, but my first inclination was to drop the rudder since 1) there is so little distance between hull, strut and rudder. And most importantly I'll need to drop the rudder to get the new shaft in. Even without the prop we could not coax the shaft past the rudder without damaging the rudder.
I feel as though I'm about to start on another slippery slope (my wife is losing patience with these slopes btw ). Here are my questions and issues I'd like your advice on (and I always accept unsolicited advice).
Thanks,
Jay
I feel as though I'm about to start on another slippery slope (my wife is losing patience with these slopes btw ). Here are my questions and issues I'd like your advice on (and I always accept unsolicited advice).
- How to drop the rudder safely (for me and the boat). I have included a picture below with arrows to the bolts it seems I need to loosen to free the rudder. I hope the cables for the wheel can remain untouched.
- What problems should I be anticipating given this boat clearly was not loved in it's earlier life (it is now). I've read on the forum suggests undoing the bolts might be a problem. I'm really concerned this simple job will turn complex and I'm hoping whatever needs to be done I can learn and do
- What preventative checks and regular upkeep on the rudder (and steering for that matter) should I do since the boat is out and I'm working on this system anyway.
Thanks,
Jay