Broken Rudder Mount (NOT the gudgeon)

[Clifford Begnaud]

Tonight while racing the lower rudder mount on #126 broke. This is the part that bolts to the rudder, not the gudgeon that attaches to the boat. Any suggestions on where to get a replacement? Is there a stock part that fits, like there is for the gudgeon?
thanks,
Cliff
Underdog #126

[Clifford Begnaud]

I just received this replacement part:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/20943/
It's the one with the 3-5/16" strap, part #252205
The price of this thing is rather outrageous, but what ya gonna do, gotta have it.
Cliff

[Mark Allen]

I have found cracking in one of my mounts as well. Thanks Cliff for the part number.  Tom Stout suggested keeping the old ones (if they are in any way servicable), and make a launching rudder with them.

[Clifford Begnaud]

The replacement part that I listed is not the identical part that was on my boat. The old strap gudgeon on my rudder had a nylon insert as do the gudgeons on the stern. The new part has no insert, it just has a 1/2" opening. The problem is that the hole on the new part doesn't line up quite right with the upper strap gudgeon. The new one is about 1/8" closer to the rudder which doesn't allow the rudder pin to go through it. The short term solution for me was to use two 1/2" bolts instead of the long pin. I really don't feel like spending another $100 to replace the top strap gudgeon so I'll probably just live with this like it is for a while.
Cliff
Underdog #126

[Tom Stout]

Strange, the part they sent you is exactly the one on the rudder of my boat.  In fact I just checked Schaefer's web site, www.schaefermarine.com, and can't find one with the insert in it.  I wonder if something changed with parts or vendors at some time in the past.

Tom Stout