Rudder

[SD SKIER]

I have a 96 Response was wondering if I can use the new rudders that they are using on the new Malibu boats. I have ground one side of it and it seems to steer harder. With the new rudder it has a tab on it where you can fine tune your torqure, was wondering if this would make it steer easier.

[99response]

You can but you will have to replace the housing also, which may involve pulling the fuel tank.

Also the new rudders will run you around $500.

Grinding/filing is going to be easier and alot cheaper.

-Chris

[eyepeeler]

Sounds like there is a new steering cable in your future.

[SD SKIER]

Sounds like there is a new steering cable in your future.

I have already put one in

[Sixball]

Does it steer harder under speed than well sitting still? If its the rudder shape it should be different under speed than sitting still.

Have you greased the rudder? Is the rudder shaft bent?

[SD SKIER]

Does it steer harder under speed than well sitting still? If its the rudder shape it should be different under speed than sitting still.

Have you greased the rudder? Is the rudder shaft bent?

Yes it steers harder under speed. There is a grease fitting on top of the rudder..maybe the grease is not getting down far enough on the shaft. I hope I dont have to pull the gas tank out to grease the entire shaft.

[Woodski]

You probably need to service the rudder. Check the vertical play of the rudder along with any side to side motion. Correcting this will significantly free up the steering as the play allows the rudder to bind a bit under operating loads, the added torque from the grind is aggravating the problem. Bushing kits are available for the rudder from Discount Inboard Marine and other suppliers. The tab can or will create the same amount of torque, so the same problem would exist if the same clearances were in the new rudder.

[SD SKIER]

You probably need to service the rudder. Check the vertical play of the rudder along with any side to side motion. Correcting this will significantly free up the steering as the play allows the rudder to bind a bit under operating loads, the added torque from the grind is aggravating the problem. Bushing kits are available for the rudder from Discount Inboard Marine and other suppliers. The tab can or will create the same amount of torque, so the same problem would exist if the same clearances were in the new rudder.

I will have to check for side to side and the up and down play tonight. Thanks again for all your help.

[WakingMeHappy]

Sounds like there is a new steering cable in your future.

I have already put one in

The the future is already here.

[martinarcher]

You probably need to service the rudder. Check the vertical play of the rudder along with any side to side motion. Correcting this will significantly free up the steering as the play allows the rudder to bind a bit under operating loads, the added torque from the grind is aggravating the problem. Bushing kits are available for the rudder from Discount Inboard Marine and other suppliers. The tab can or will create the same amount of torque, so the same problem would exist if the same clearances were in the new rudder.