Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Steering System, Hull Structure

Rudder to skeg play

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JohnnyD:
Just hauled the boat, a Pearson 303, and checking the rudder for play at the pintles, gudgeons . About 3/8 inch of play. Is this a lot? Everything else looks good.

Dolce_Vita:
Sounds like a lot to me.  My p323 has no detectable play between the rudder and the skeg.

That much play will introduce a significant amount of "deadband" in the steering. This deadband makes it difficult to steer a straight course by hand, and will overwork any autopilot, causing premature wear and  failure. 

JohnnyD:
I have not noticed any problems with the handling of the boat, in fact, the steering is so smooth and effortless, it's like power steering. The play I'm talking about is when I pull the rudder at the bottom backwards toward the stern.

chuck stas:
Did you get the play out if so how ?

chuck stas:
No movement on my P303 rudder .
Might need a bushing on the bottom at next haul out.
good luck

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