is this normal? rudder

[Whitetail15]

changing my steering cable and noticed this on my rudder. the plate with the four bolts has a crack on 3 of 4 sides. i do not know if they go all the way threw or not. think i should remove it and replace it or not. or does this happen when they are put together and tightened.

also how much play (up and down) should be in rudder assy. when i grab mine by the control lever and lift up , there is about 1/8 play.

[bchesley]

The up and down play is normal. It will have some because you squeeze the rope down some inside the large nut to keep the bilge dry. As for the cracks, no that is not normal, and you really need to pull it and investigate.

[NautiqueJeff]

Post deleted - Inaccurate information

[shag]

That should NOT crack when put together. I would replace that assembly. It takes a lot of forces while underway, and if it fractures completely under load, could cause a bad scenario. (not trying to scare you).

[Whitetail15]

can you buy just the top plate. i do not really need the complete rubber box assy. the only part that is cracked or damaged is the top plate. everything else works smooth and has no play. (except you can lift the rudder up and down about 1/8 ). the rudder is the original and does have a mark on it. nothing was ever hit or damaged.

[shag]

You might be able to take that piece to a reputable machine shop and have them make a new one in the sane material. Not sure if you can purchase just that piece.

[j2nh]

damaged plate

The top plate on our club 05 196 had the same problem. Dealer told us they had seen several other boats with similar cracked plates. Replaced under warranty.

[maxxwell]

I have the same problem, just not as bad. It is a definite crack in at least two sides. After a close inspection, the surrounding fiberglass and gelcoat around it is fine. I plan on changing the plate, but I will watch it closely to see if the cracks widen.

[Drock]

Did anyone find out fi the top plate is available? I also have a very fine hairline crack on one side of mine. 03 SAN

D

[Whitetail15]

i was contacted by nautique. they said do not do anything about it. it cracks because the boat is not square at top and the plate is. it did not crack because of stress, it is just trying to form to the top of boat. he said you could remove and just use washers without any problems. i left mine alone.