Rudder port puller

[BrianS]

The rudder port on my boat has been leaking for a while. Finally took the time to pull it so it could be rebuilt.

I'd read all the posts about using heat and beating on the port until it broke free. I tried that for a bit but wasn't crazy about the process and it wasn't budging. There was zero clearance between the port and the hull so wedging something in there wasn't happening either.

I rigged up the puller seen below. Used a piece of threaded rod and some stout c-channel scrap. Ran a 4x4 post across and under the trailer beams. Put 2 large C clamps on it and it popped right off. I actually couldn't believe how easy it was. No gel damage at all. Thought it might be a useful tip for someone in the future.




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[waterlogged882]

Interesting and thanks. I'll make note of that.

One other thing to consider...if I may? No room for anything to get behind the plate? I have used a 1" wide wood chisel which is tapered on one side, quite sharply. With the beveled edge away the hull, tap on it. Hammer size is your decision. So far I have had good luck with several. No gel damage.

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[BrianS]

One other thing to consider...if I may? No room for anything to get behind the plate? I have used a 1" wide wood chisel which is tapered on one side, quite sharply. With the beveled edge away the hull, tap on it. Hammer size is your decision.
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I tried a very thin putty knife which I sharpened to a knife edge. Tapped with a hammer and couldn't get it to slide under. On my boat the port is recessed up in a pocket and you really only have access to the one side at the rear. A wood chisel may have worked, the putty knife was too flimsy. Thanks for the tip.


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[sully]

Nice!!!

[gwozhog]

Pretty good idea. I built a slide hammer out of some weights and pipe. Came off in seconds.https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ***MUH1x0

[BrianS]

Getting ready to reinstall my rudder port. Anyone have a good tip for removing the leftover sealant that is stuck to the hull? Going to attack it with a razor blade but wondering if there is a better way?

[mikeg205]

Wd 40 or vinegar.. spray on wait till it softens.. you can try accetone.



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[mike koen]

Where did you find the port ? Part # ?

[BrianS]

Where did you find the port ? Part # ?

Just send the old one back to OJ. They rebuild it and send it back to you. I think it was like $75.


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[BrianS]

Well, got it done. Used a razor blade to scrape the majority off, then used a nylon wheel on the Dremel to remove the rest. Tried acetone but it just smeared it around.

Couple pics below. No play in the rudder now, hope this resolves the leak as well.






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[mike koen]

I need to get this done . MCOCD.

[Krw1225]

Well, got it done. Used a razor blade to scrape the majority off, then used a nylon wheel on the Dremel to remove the rest. Tried acetone but it just smeared it around.

Couple pics below. No play in the rudder now, hope this resolves the leak as well.






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Nice work! I couldn’t bring myself to try this myself, mainly due to fear of Gel coat damage, so I had dealer for it at end of season. I used the boat once or twice before it was winterized, but it seemed to fix our leak from the port. Hope it did yours as well!

[danwell]

Glad I've found this thread as I'm having the same issue on my boat.