New rudder - loose

I have just had a new rudder installed into my 1989 SN. It's the newer style with the tuning adjustment tabs.

The problem is that there seems to be some play in the rudder that I don't recall previously. I didn't notice vibration throught the steering wheel, but with the rear floor up, I cound see the cable vibrating

Is there an adjustment to fix this.?

I'm dropping the boat back to my local ski boat shop tomorrow and would like to go through any issues with them.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Yes there is some slight play if you move it by hand.

Chopper what happened to your old rudder?

If the new shaft is the same diameter as the old one maybe it is just some type of turbulence issue with the tunable rudder. Did you replace the packing on the rudder. I'm finding it very difficult to buy the packing in Australia. They don't seem to have the 3/16" size. If you did let me know your source.

How do you go with the axle on your trailer?

eric lavine wrote: is the play in the rudder port or side to side?

Hi Eric,
I'm not 100% sure. how do I check if it's the port.? I'm thinking the bush needs replacement.?

From memory there is some side movement.

Hi guys,
Discount Inboard Marine list a replacement rudder port for 70-97 nautiques.

Will this be what I require, or do I simply need to replace the rope seal.? I think my mechanic's concern is that the top nut is damaged (probably due to the seal being worn out) and is out of round. If the seal is replaced, it may simply continue to happen.

Is it just the rope seal that I need to replace or is there a bushing insert (similar to the skeg) that needs to be replaced also.?

I think the movement problem is due to a non-existant shaft seal.

What are your thoughts.?

Lewy,
What part do you need.? I can add it to the order of you like.

Chopper if you order from Skidim could you order a couple of extra 3/16" gortex packing. Have been unable to source 3/16" packing in Australia never mind the gortex stuff. Shoot me a email if you go thru Skidim so I can arrange payment to you.

I did the prop shaft on my 89 but while I have the rear floor out may as well do the rudder packing as well. It is a very different setup to the log with 2 seals that we use in Australia. But I can see advantages by being able to tighten the packing nut down and reseal the shaft as the packing wears.

From what I have read the rudder should be 3/16" like the prop but Pete would have a better idea. If it is the same rudder port from 70-97 Skidim should be able to advise you on the size of the packing also.

Gortex 3/16" packing

8122pbrainard wrote: lewy2001 wrote: From what I have read the rudder should be 3/16" like the prop but Pete would have a better idea. If it is the same rudder port from 70-97 Skidim should be able to advise you on the size of the packing also. I may not have a better idea!! I mentioned measuring the space because who knows what has happened to the boat in it's travels all the way down under!! Measure to be sure!

Definitely measure before ordering the packing! My '90 took 3/16" in both the driveshaft and rudder- but there seem to be a lot of inconsistencies. My dad's '03 took 1/4" in the driveshaft.

I might measure it then hey.!

Peter,
if I understand you correctly, I am measuring the ID of the packing nut, subtracting the rudder shaft dia. 1/2 of the difference should tell me if I require 3/16 or 1/4.?

Lewy,
You better measure yours too.

My service guy has seals on the shelf, but I didn't check what size he had.

Will measure mine & get back to you. It looks as though there is a few different rudder ports out there not the same from 70-97. CC must have had different suppliers over the years.