CD33 - where/how is the rudder load carried?

davidmcq137 · Post by **davidmcq137** » Jun 29th, '25, 21:25

Hi All,

We are nearing completion of a major refit of a 1981 CD33. The driving change was to remove the original MD-11C diesel and go with electric propulsion (Bellmarine 15W), backed by a 6kW WP generator.

As part of the steering system rebuild, we were wondering how the vertical load (the weight of the rudder) is intended to be carried. We are guessing the pintle/shoe at the bottom aft end of the keel .. but there is also a rather beefy collar that is held to the rudder stock with a grub screw ... it sits on top of the pillow block near the top of the rudder stock.

That collar and the pillow block don't look to be designed to carry any vertical load .. but I am curious if anyone here has more insight on this question. It would be possible to slightly raise the rudder from the pintle and have the collar and pillow block carry some load .. but that does not seem right to us...

Any insights would be appreciated. Happy to post more on the refit if there is interest.

thanks
Dave McQueeney
Owls Head, ME