IB-24 Rudder Removal

Tommy Bahama · Post by **Tommy Bahama** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 12:39 am

Howdy gang!

My first post on the forum...I've owned a really nice Islander Bahama for the last year and have finally hauled it out for some much needed bottom paint and maintenance. The rudder needs some "bench" attention for poorly repaired old blisters/voids...looks like bondo was used and they have started to work out.

My rudder is attached by a single bronze pintle at the bottom of the keel and passes throught the hull and cockpit at the top. I can lift the rudder by hand to within 3/16" of clearing the pintle but the top of the rudder contacts the hull, preventing removal...I'm sure, so that it doesn't come off under way.

Is there a proper way to remove? It looks like the pintle is inbedded and faired to the keel...I'm not sure that I'm ready to open that can of worms yet...any input or advice would be appreciated.

Tom

Post by **Tim** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 8:46 am

I don't think you'll have any choice but to remove the shoe at the bottom of the keel, unless your rudder post is external and you can access any fasteners there might be that hold it to the ruder. (Unlikely)

Once you remove the shoe, you'll probably also need to dig a hole beneath the rudder to allow the full extent of the rudderpost to drop out of the tube.

Good luck!

Tommy Bahama · Post by **Tommy Bahama** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 12:12 pm

Tim, looks like you have a good mental picture of what I'm doing...I'm really glad that that you mentioned the rudder torque tube length and the possibility of digging a hole. I'm re-thinking and will probably do the rudder work on the boat by shimming it so that it won't move. My other concern with the rudder in place is doing a good cleaning and painting of the slot between the keel and rudder but I may have enough clearance for small tools and scrapers.

Thanks,

Tom

David · Post by **David** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 12:37 pm

Have you tried turning the rudder to each side the most it will turn to see if it will give you more clearance to drop it off its show?

David

Tommy Bahama · Post by **Tommy Bahama** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:33 pm

David, thanks...yes I've tried that. I also looked to see if maybe a "ridge" was layed up around the through the hull portion that I could grind down and replace when finished. I have the boat in my driveway on a trailer so I'm not too worried about bottom clearance for removal...I just don't want to do anything too destructive if I don't have to. The leading edge of the rudder and the trailing edge of the keel are in good condition so I'll try to do it all on the boat, first. I've received a few other suggestions from the shop guys at work as well.

Thanks for the input,

Tom