Rudder Hinge Play

[Hampus]

We have some play in the center hinge for the rudder. Not noticable while steering but when I yank the rudder back and forth by hand with the boat on the hard. The center rivet on the center hinge is also a bit loose. All can be seen on the film. How much play is too much? There's o play at all in the lower hinge and no play in rudder post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYmBHqHAgMc

/Hampus

[barnakiel]

All play from hinges moving is bad.

However, note that some designs will have some space left between the pintle and the gudgeon. On my boat this space is filled with a poly sleeve that limits the movement and also gives very smooth movement. When the sleeve is new there is next to nil play, after a couple of years the play is noticeable.

But if this is not your case and if the hinges move - fix it.

b.