CD 330 upper rudder post mounting bracket

[Bruce Kurtz]

My 1986 CD 330 has a roughly 3" wide squared off 'U' shaped steel "beam", or bracket, running from port to starboard, attaching to the inside of the hull under the steering quadrant, just below the emergency tiller access port. A bearing block bolts to this steel bracket and the upper end of the rudder post is secured into this bearing block. The steel bracket (or beam) is badly rusted and needs to be replaced. Does anyone have any insight on removing the old bracket or know if a replacement bracket is available or if a new one will have to be fabricated? Any assistance with this repair will be greatly appreciated. Bruce Kurtz, CD 330 'Cloud Dancer'

[leopoldfuchs]

Bruce,
We had the same problem on a CD 33. We were told that the engine should come out to replace the bracket for the shieves.
We bought a fiberglass oval hatch from Hamilton Marine for a 150.00 dollars and installed it just in front of the pedestal. It allowed access to the bracket and has come in handy for numerous fixes over the years as it allows access to the back of the engine without standing on your head through a hatch locker. It should have been part of the original design.
llookner@verizon.net