'06 rudder vs '03 X-30

[TMCNo1]

I had read all those posts - that's why I decided to do it myself. I felt the inside of the sleeve with my finger and there are a couple of grooves (probably for an o ring) and then I can feel the sleeve stepping down. When I push the rudder up, after about an inch, it stops dead in its tracks. Not a 'getting tight' stop, but a definite stop. That's my luck - boat getting out tomorrow for the 1st time, and now all this. Plus I've spent all week cleaning her up, and now the sky is falling down.

Probably caused by the o-rings expanding when the old rudder shaft came out. Be sure to grease up the end of the rudder shaft, the shaft itself and apply some grease to the inside surface of the rudder port from the bottom and from the top prior to trying to insert the rudder shaft and as you inset and feel some resistance turn the rudder from side to side. You will then hit the same resistance when you get to the 2nd o-ring, after you get past the first one. That's what I had to do to put a new rudder in our '89. Good luck! Keep us informed.

[prostar205]

The '06 rudder fit like a glove in my '02 X30. No drips or leaks at all.

BTW - My '02 X30 has hit 52 mph on a river in ideal conditions. I would attribute that to the L-18 monster sitting under the sunpad.

[BigBarney]

I might try again in a few days. Like I said, each time the new rudder would slide an inch or two up the sleeve and then a solid stop. I am sure it slid past the o-rings. Very frustrating!

[bcampbe7]

Let me know if you want some help this weekend. While I have never installed a rudder, I would be glad to help in any way I can.

[MYMC]

Let me know if you want some help this weekend. While I have never installed a rudder, I would be glad to help in any way I can.

This is an issue with some boats (4 so far that I know of). Andy G had the same issue on his 197. The shaft on the new rudder is .005 larger (give or take) than the rudder port. On some rare instances the port must be updated as well.