Missing rudder shoe on MS 300 - replacement advice

[lory c]

Hi All, The rudder of the MS 300 motorsailer is stepped on an extension of the keel. Our bottom scrub diver told us that the lower support section for the rudder is "gone", have not seen it myself because of murky water today, but a quick peek at the rudder quadrant revealed that the rudder and shaft have apparently slipped down about one inch through the cutlass bearing that acts as the upper bearing where the rudder shaft penetrates the hull.. This is evidenced by the lead angle of the steering cable being deflected down about that much before it enters the groove at the rim of the quadrant. There is now about one inch of rudder shaft showing between the top of the packing gland nut at the bearing and the bottom of the quadrant. I think a tight split collar of some kind clamped on this bit of exposed shaft should temporarily prevent any more downward slippage, enough for the trip to the boat yard. Are drawings of the rudder shoe set up available? Does any one have pics of one that would help? Any thoughts? We purchased this boat a few months ago, she was bounced around and driven into the mangroves by a hurricane last year. I suppose when she is hauled, I'll be finding a poor repair that has failed. Newish bottom paint on boat when hauled for pre-buy.... Bad surprises aside, we are loving this boat and are really glad to have her. Thanks, Ed

[Jim Walsh]

We have a frequent contributor "Joe CD MS 300" who may be able to help. Perhaps a private message would be the best method of contact.

[Joe CD MS 300]

Ed fortunately I have not had your issue with my MS 300. Have you checked the online manual available on this site for the MS 300? That might be one source of info or drawings if not for your issue just for general knowledge of the boat. I may have some pictures of the rudder from the boat is stored. I’ll look to se what I have. In any case it should not be a big task to have what ever repair parts are need fabricated by a competent yard.

Off topic, the single best improvement that was made to the boat by me or the previous owner was the addition of built in teak laserets in the cockpit. It adds immensly to the storage and living space of the boat. It was done by my previous owner. The improvement includes a removable transom seat so that the transom door can be used.

Joe

[Joe CD MS 300]

Sorry no luck on the pictures

[John Stone]

If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can make a new one. It sounds complicated but it isn’t.... get the boat hauled. So what you can to get drawings or pictures. Nice, but not required. Sketch out how you think the old shoe looked, how it attaches to the keel, how it attaches to the rudder. Perhaps it is similar to how the shoe fits/works on the CD 36. If so, I have pictures to help paint the picture.

Then, you simply make a pattern from plywood. Talk to a couple of foundries that are competent in casting bronze and will work with you. The two I can think of are Port Townsend Foundry (Pete Langley) and Mystic River Foundry (Sherri) in Mystic, CT. Both will guide you on how to make your own pattern and save you a bundle of money. I have worked with both foundries. PTF is at the top of the pyramid. You do a good job on the pattern then the casting will be perfect. PTF is more expensive and slower. The casting will arrive ready to mount. Mystic River does very good work too but less expensive and faster...but you have to sand and polish the casting marks.

I have made a number of patterns and the first one I did was pretty complicated but Pete at PTF walked me through it every step of the way.

It may not be the simplest solution but a hell of a lot less expensive than having a boatyard cobble something together of unknown quality. And you will be so proud of yourself.

Here is how we did it. Might help you get an idea of what’s involved. Click on the link and scroll down to where it says “building the gammon iron pattern.”

http://www.farreachvoyages.com/projects ... ation.html

[Paul D.]

Perhaps Robinhood or Spartan have a rudder shoe. I would also see if other MS owners could get you a photo of how their's looks if you will cast a new one. Now that haul out season is approaching, that should be easy.

There is one MS300 at our boatyard, unfortunately we finished shrinkwrapping just recently and won't be back up there to take a photo till spring

[Frenchy]

You've received some good advice all around, I think - especially about contacting Spartan Marine. A thought is that once he has dimensions and material, a decent boatyard machinist should be able to fabricate a new shoe in a day, assuming the old part has been claimed by the deep. It's unfortunate you have to deal with this so soon after purchasing. Good luck - Jean