Early 80's Rudder

[phil]

We are in desperate need for a rudder for our 82 American Skier. Ron is trying to find one but Im not sure that it  will come to fruition in time for the reunion. At this point we are worried that the rudder could snap at anytime. If anyone knows of a rudder or an older american skier that is cheap and we could salvage parts from please let me know.

[Joel]

Phil,  I have a spare rudder and you can have it...  its a bit worn with quite a bit of pitting, but it'll get you through the Reunion.  It came off of my 1991 Advance.  Will that fit???

[phil]

Thats awesome. Is there any way you can send me a few pics of it? I've yet to get an accurate measurement of the rudders shaft diameter but ill get one very soon (gonzo???!).

Thanks!!!!

[Joel]

Phil,

Just posted pics of the rudder in my photo album "1991 Advance".   Looks like a 1" shaft - but I'm just eyeballing it with a tape measure.  Let me know if you need a more accurate measurement and I'll see what I can come up with...

[phil]

That rudder is in much better shape than ours. Now to find out if it will work as a direct replacement.... If we find out it will work, maybe you can just bring it to the reunion and we can all(at least those who want to) change it out. I don't think it will be that big of a deal nor take that long but I say that about all my projects.

[Joel]

Its already in my boat       Let me know if its the WRONG size and I'll leave it at home.   Otherwise, we'll switch them out at the boat ramp in TN.  Be sure to bring a set of pliers, new cotter pin, correct size wrenches (two of the same size) for rudder clamp nut/bolt and a grease gun with marine grade grease so you can refill the fitting.  You MAY need a new KEY for the keyway, but its not critical.  I think mines been gone for years with no issues - just gotta make sure you align the rudder correctly prior to tightening the clamp.  I dont think you'll need anything else.

We may have TWO tech sessions if I dont get my alternator aligned correctly prior to the Reunion    I carry a spare alt belt just in case...   Thankfully, these are relatively small issues and SHOULD be easily corrected 

Joel

[Midskier]

and a jack!

you'll need enough space between the bottom of the rudder
and trailer prop cage to clear the additional length of the post
@ a ramp you could put the boat on a few inches short of the bow stop

Ron and I can both get "a" rudder for you doubtful it would be an exact replica

teardrops are available but my guess is the post will be too long for your port
and you may need to replace the tiller arm to match

next bit of news is the cost $497 for just a rudder
plus another buck and half for the port if needed
2 bits more for the backing plate
and maybe 65 ish for the tiller arm
you'll be close to or over $700 OUCH
should have ordered it when you asked about a few years ago

Dan T

[Joel]

Well...  hopefully mine will fit 

[phil]

If the tiller arm is to long can't we just take it to a machine shop and have them cut it down and drill the necessary hole in it?

[Joel]

I dont get it...  My tiller arm clamps around the rudder shaft...  What is there to be too long???   Mine doesnt have a bolt through it or anything...  You just push it up through the rudder port, HOLD IT SNUG, while another person in the boat positions the clamp and tightens it down, put in the cotter pin and your done...  My biggest concern is if its the right diameter shaft...

What am I missing???

[Midskier]

you are missing the "the length of the rudder post" not the length of the tiller arm

1 may be 6" one may be 5" or 5.5" ............

some have a half round machined near the top for the tiller arm bolt to also act as a keeper
some have a hole drilled through near the top to insert a cotter pin to act as a keeper

 

Dan T

[Joel]

OOOOOoooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......  that explains it!  Thanks Dan!!

Pete, your welcome to use it!  Let me know.

[phil]

Here are a few pics of the top of it...