Rudder removal

[njmorrell]

Has anyone removed a rudder with the boat in the water?

I have a 1995 330DA with a bent rudder.

Nick

 

[fwebster]

NO!............you can't do it safely.

It would be far better to pay the haul out fee and do it in a boat yard......probably be cheaper than re-floating a sunk boat too.

 

[johngus]

I would say unless you want to put the new rudder in while the boat is on the bottom,not possible.There would be no way i would want a 1 1/2 hole in my boat while its in the water.Unless you have access to a one million gallon a hour pump.pull the boat,a short haul is not that much.I would check that shaft and strut to be bent too.what about the prop?

 

[njmorrell]

Clearly you guys have never removed the speed transducer to clean it. Does make you feel a bit like the 'Little Dutch Boy' with his finger in the dyke but you only get a cup full of water in the boat if you are quick.

The props and struts are fine.

 

[FireIsland1]

Where is you sense of adventure. A lond time ago I decided to put in a 2" tranducer into a lobster boat while in the water. The hull was double plank and about 2- 1/4" thick. I had it all planned out. I tested the hole saw and drill on a similar piece of wood in the shop to test for fit. The size was perfect. the plane was to drill the hole then dive under the boat and push the transducer into the hull . ok all is set. I get a friend to assist me. we drill the hole. the water came in so fast the drill went up in smoke while we were still holding it. We quickly pulled the plug. It was right then that I could hear the sounds of beer cans being opened. We had a big crowd talking and taking bets. It wasn't looking good. Someone even took 2:1 odds on 5 minutes. I was standing on the hole planning my next attack. We would shift positions. My friend would put his foot in place of mine and I would dive under and push the transducer up. Here we go. I dive in, find the hole and shove the trans up. One minor problem. It doesn't fit. It turns out we waisted just enough time for the wood to swell up, reducing the diameter. I surface to the sound of more beer cans and the sound of money changing hands. Now did you ever try to use a rat tail file under water on white oak? Someone started a gas pump to help out. that didn't go over well with the crowd of gamblers but he saved the boat. Finally got the transducer in. So would I swap out a rudder while in the water? You bet I would, just not on my boat. Go for it

 

[fwebster]

Transducer mounts have a little flapper in them to prevent water flowing into the boat so your sense of adventure comment isn't parallel.

But I'm sure with that adventuresome approach to boat maintenance, you'll be fine..........go for it.

 

[carterchapman]

Where is you sense of adventure. A lond time ago I decided to put in a 2" tranducer into a lobster boat while in the water. The hull was double plank and about 2- 1/4" thick. I had it all planned out. I tested the hole saw and drill on a similar piece of wood in the shop to test for fit. The size was perfect. the plane was to drill the hole then dive under the boat and push the transducer into the hull . ok all is set. I get a friend to assist me. we drill the hole. the water came in so fast the drill went up in smoke while we were still holding it. We quickly pulled the plug. It was right then that I could hear the sounds of beer cans being opened. We had a big crowd talking and taking bets. It wasn't looking good. Someone even took 2:1 odds on 5 minutes. I was standing on the hole planning my next attack. We would shift positions. My friend would put his foot in place of mine and I would dive under and push the transducer up. Here we go. I dive in, find the hole and shove the trans up. One minor problem. It doesn't fit. It turns out we waisted just enough time for the wood to swell up, reducing the diameter. I surface to the sound of more beer cans and the sound of money changing hands. Now did you ever try to use a rat tail file under water on white oak? Someone started a gas pump to help out. that didn't go over well with the crowd of gamblers but he saved the boat. Finally got the transducer in. So would I swap out a rudder while in the water? You bet I would, just not on my boat. Go for it

You just lightened up what is a 58 degree rainy day on the boat here in Georgia! Gary may want to add that to his book!

 

[wileecoyote]

Looks like you've already made up your mind and weren't looking for advise. Make sure to take pics!

Clearly you guys have never removed the speed transducer to clean it. Does make you feel a bit like the 'Little Dutch Boy' with his finger in the dyke but you only get a cup full of water in the boat if you are quick.

The props and struts are fine.

 

[njmorrell]

I haven't really made up my mind. I could wait until the next haulout and bottom paint. Just thought I might give it a go myself with a diver buddy of mine to catch the rudder. Really looking for tips on disconnecting the tiller bar and if the rudder comes out easily or not.

Frank, it is true modern transducer mounts do have a small flap to reduce water intake when you remove the transducer. Mine, however is not that modern.