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Ericson 26-2 rudder gaskets?

Absolut

New Member
Hi All,

I am a very seasoned sailor, just went from a Bristol Corsair 24 to buying an 1984 Ericson 26-2 sailboat. Great boat but I think the last owner might have lost some of the bushings or a gasket or something because the tiller has about n inch or less of play up and down. When I inspect underneath it appear that there was once a plastic or some other material bushing that kept the top of the rudder from rubbing on the bottom of the hull and maybe a gasket at the base of the tiller. It shouldn't have this much play in it. Can anyone assist and let me know how to fix, where to buy these parts?

Many thanks

Eric Masterton
Absolut
 

Afrakes

Sustaining Member
Bushing

Yes, there should be a bushing between the top of the ruder and the hull. One inch seems like an awful lot of play. You may also need one under the tiller head. You'll probably have to take measurements to a machine shop and have the spacers made out of Delrin or nylon. If you are a DYI'er you could purchase sheet materials from McMaster-Carr and make your own.
 

Alan Gomes

Sustaining Partner
I also have a 1984 26-2 and I can tell you for certain that there is supposed to be a bushing between the top of the rudder and the hull. I don't recall right off whether there is one between the rudder post cap and the bronze flange that bolts to the cockpit sole, but I could easily check that next time I'm down at the boat.

BTW: If you experience any issues with lateral play, I've got a good method for eliminating that with the use of stainless steel shim stock.
 

Absolut

New Member
Thanks to both of you

Thanks for the information. I'll have to see if I can create this myself or have someone fabricate it. I take there are no parts stores anywhere that I can buy it from?

Eric
 
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