Replacing Rudder Brackets

Trouts Dream · Post by **Trouts Dream** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:47 am

Has anyone found the need, or a way to replace the original aluminum rudder brackets. I don't think I need to go as far as Mad Mikes brackets but I am curious about the strength of the original brackets. The final straw came when i looked into the IDA rudders and they are only for the stainless steel brackets.
Any input or experience would be welcome.

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:58 am

Where did you find the stainless steel rudder brackets for sale ? What was the price ?

Trouts Dream · Post by **Trouts Dream** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:46 am

I didn't. I was hoping you had.
If I could get some dimensions I could get a pair made. Maybe a couple of pair to cut the costs down.

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 1:11 pm

I was thinking about buying a spair to carry with me. Is there a port and starbord bracket or or they the same? When I get one or a pair I can make detail drawings after my 40 years in mechanical eng work and cad on my computer.

hmb-barry · Post by **hmb-barry** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:57 pm

bubba wrote:I was thinking about buying a spair to carry with me. Is there a port and starbord bracket or or they the same? When I get one or a pair I can make detail drawings .................

The schematic drawings for the M26 rudder brackets are on the MacGregor26 factory site (macgregor26 dot com) under 'Suppliers Corner', then Hardware Custom.

Barry

delevi · Post by **delevi** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:37 pm

The brackets for the

are stainless steel. Didn't realize they were aluminum on the

. I replaced a bracket, but the description of the procedure probably wouldn't be useful to you since it's a different setup.

Kelly Hanson East · Post by **Kelly Hanson East** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:05 am

The

changed to SS rudder brackets around model year 2000 - they had Aluminum brackets prior to that. You might find boats dispersed around this time change with either hardware depending on what was in stock

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:09 am

With the rudder brackets change from alumium to stainless is there breaking or wearing out problems ?

Post by **kmclemore** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:58 am

Actually, I think the aluminium ones break more often than the stainless. I suspect that was the reason for the change (plus the latter is probably cheaper).

Trouts Dream · Post by **Trouts Dream** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:41 pm

So has anyone replaced an aluminum set with a stainless set? If they did, where did they get them? If not, then I will have to measure one of the other units at the lake and get a set made.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:13 pm

IIRC, the change to stainless brackets happened sometime during the '98 or '99 model year. While there are numerous discussions about repairing or replacing the previous aluminum brackets (which had at least two different designs), I don't recall seeing anyone post of a problem with the stainless brackets.

I do recall someone writing about swapping the stainless brackets onto an older boat. IIRC, it was a major effort. The aluminum and stainless brackets are totally different designs, and the rudders differ too.

IF there's no pattern or shelf-stock for the 26X stainless brackets, it's because the design is strong & stable enough that replacements have rarely been needed. I'd phone Factory Bill and ask if he has a drawing for the 26X bracket, then job it out to a local stainless fabricator. Just a SWAG ... plan on spending a bunch of bucks ... $300/pair?

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Replacing Rudder Brackets

Replacing Rudder Brackets