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Torquing rudder bolts

  • August 26, 2013 5:12 AM
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    Message # 1374049
    Anonymous
    I was tightening the bolts that attach the rudder to the gudgeons using a socket wrench and heard an awful "crack!" 

    Should these bolts be just hand tightened with a glob of 5200 behind them? 
  • August 26, 2013 8:54 AM
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    Reply # 1374181 on 1374049
    Deleted user

    The rudder is hollow as I'm sure you know.  If you over tighten them you can crush the rudder. One of the boats that hauled at Ladd's for the Dave King mods had the bolts tightened so much it was crushing the rudder and was subsequently repaired.  We added 3/8" graphite tubing as compressions posts to prevent this and allows the bolts to be tightened without crushing.

    Jim 

    Last modified: August 26, 2013 8:55 AM | Deleted user
  • August 26, 2013 12:08 PM
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    Reply # 1374392 on 1374049
    Anonymous
    Thanks very much for that tip. I'm on it.

    Can you suggest a sealant to use under the washer that sits between the bolt and rudder?
    I have a W28 so don't have the hinge assembly shown in the pic. Thanks.
    Last modified: August 26, 2013 12:15 PM | Anonymous
  • August 26, 2013 6:00 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1374664 on 1374049
    Deleted user

    Life Caulk is probably a better choice but we used 5200.

    Jim