Fitting the Rudder

I decided to trial fit the rudder prior to flipping the boat. I remembered reading reports from other owners that indicated noisy rudders when at anchor.

I did some measurements and found the eyebolts were15mm internal diameter whereas the pivot rod was 12.5mm diameter. 

This resulted in a 2.5mm gap which I guess was causing the noise.

I did some shopping around at various shops that sell 316 SS eyebolts and found that "Anaconda" stocked eyebolts that were 13 mm internal diameter....perfect.

To further strengthen up the complete rudder setup I added an extra eyebolt pivot point between the existing two.

To reduce the friction and any further rattling between the heads of the stainless-steel eyebolts and the pivot rod I decided to add some washers made from "Starboard".

Using a 24mm inside diameter hole saw I partially drilled through the "Starboard".

This provided a centre hole location as a guide for....

..... a 12.5mm diameter drill (the same size as the pivot rod) was drilled all the way through. 

I then completed drilling with the hole saw to make 3 washer/plugs.

I marked the centre line of the 13mm thick plugs.

Using a band saw I cut the plugs in half to make 5 washers.

After a cleanup I trial fitted the washers on the pivot rod. They fitted perfectly.

This pic shows the washer on top of the eyebolt.

I plan to place a washer on the pivot rod between each eyebolt, one at the very top and one at very bottom and held secure with a split pin.

Hopefully this will prevent any movement and rattling which should eliminate noise at anchor but still provide a smooth movement of the rudder from side to side. 

A centre line is drawn on the transom and keel.

Next, I drilled holes slightly smaller than the eyebolt diameter. I Used a drill jig to ensure the holes are exactly 90 degrees. 

A block is placed under the keel and extends aft for the rudder to sit in place and keep it level with the bottom of the keel.

The lower two eyebolts are drilled and screwed into the keel and transom.

The upper eyebolt is screwed through the transom and secured with a large flat washer a spring split lock washer and a dome nut.

Measurements for the top rudder eyebolt are carefully marked allowing room for the "Starboard" washer.

The same procedure is repeated for the centre and lower eyebolts including the "Starboard" washers.

Finally, a hole is drilled through the pivot rod for a retaining spring.

The complete unit turned smoothly and was a nice tight fit.

Now I will remove it all in preparation for the flip.