26s rudder castle opening

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chadwiseman
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Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: St. John's

26s rudder castle opening

Post by chadwiseman »

My rudder castle opening seems to be about 1.25 in, but the standard rudder from bwyachts or rudder craft is about 1.75”.. The previous home made rudder was only 1 inch.. I’m wondering if there should be enough give in the bracket to accept this standard size rudder.. Thougths?
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Stickinthemud57
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
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Re: 26s rudder castle opening

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

I replaced my 26s stock rudder with an airfoil rudder from RudderCraft and did not run into any issues. In fact I added a 1/16" piece of Lexan on either side of the rudder inside the castle to allow me to tighten the pivot nut (so as to minimize slop) without making it too hard to raise or lower.
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
chadwiseman
Chief Steward
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: St. John's

Re: 26s rudder castle opening

Post by chadwiseman »

Wondering if anyone ever replaced the steering post. Looks like the bolts go into a cavity that I can’t access ..
chadwiseman
Chief Steward
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: St. John's

Re: 26s rudder castle opening

Post by chadwiseman »

Wondering if anyone ever replaced the steering post. Looks like the bolts go into a cavity that I can’t access ..
chadwiseman
Chief Steward
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:50 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: St. John's

Re: 26s rudder castle opening

Post by chadwiseman »

Thanks, has anyone used any other materials to make up some of the gap between the rudder and the castle opening?
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Stickinthemud57
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Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:50 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Grapevine, Texas
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Re: 26s rudder castle opening

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

This post has kind of languished. I will make a point to take a look at my rudder post and see what you are talking about. I have never had the need to remove mine.
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
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