I have sailed a Morgan 32-3 for the past several years. It is a
Brewer design very similar in construction and other details to
the Brewer designed 38s. I have a question that I hope you can
help me with. Recently the boat had developed play in the
rudder such that it thumps in certain sea conditions. On
inspection of the steering gear and rudder shaft, it appears
that the rudder and shaft can move vertically. Usually the
rudder and shaft are in the up-position, but can drop under
pressure about 0.5 inches until the steering quadrant hits the
top of the packing nut, causing a thump. It appears as though
the rudder actually floats in the up-position but can drop
causing the thump. Have any of you observed this in a Morgan
38? How can I eliminate this vertical movement?
Brewer design very similar in construction and other details to
the Brewer designed 38s. I have a question that I hope you can
help me with. Recently the boat had developed play in the
rudder such that it thumps in certain sea conditions. On
inspection of the steering gear and rudder shaft, it appears
that the rudder and shaft can move vertically. Usually the
rudder and shaft are in the up-position, but can drop under
pressure about 0.5 inches until the steering quadrant hits the
top of the packing nut, causing a thump. It appears as though
the rudder actually floats in the up-position but can drop
causing the thump. Have any of you observed this in a Morgan
38? How can I eliminate this vertical movement?