26M steering rod end bearings

[Y.B.Normal]

Has anyone added rod end bearings to the ends of the arms of the steering set-up of their 26M? I don't like all of the steering slop and wearing of the steering rod bolt holes on my 26M. I think adding rod end bearings may be a way to eliminate this. Obviously, the arms will be shortened to compensate for the length added by the rod end bearings. Any thoughts?

[Obelix]

I made my rod-ends adjustable to get the rudders parrallel and take out some slop.



Obelix

[Y.B.Normal]

Did you have the plugs (female ends) custom-made, or were you able to purchase them?
Also, are they kept in place only with set screws?

[Obelix]

I turned and tapped the female inserts, they're glued in with the set-screw as safety.

Obelix

[Tomfoolery]

Are they stainless? That's a project I've been considering, as I know my two rudders aren't exactly aligned, and I'd have to bend the tubular link to change the center distance. Even just one end being adjustable would do it, of course.

[windypatrick]

I did this mod on my 26x a few years ago. Looks similar. I used heim joints.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1740

[Obelix]

@ Tomfoolery,
Yes, the end-pieces are stainless and are sold by McMaster-Carr.
I made the tube-inserts from aluminum stock, turned to size and cutting the threads for the end-pieces.
The thread is fine enough, to adjust your rudders perfectly parallel, if you shim the rudders on each side with 1/16th" disks in the brackets to avoid the inherent slop.
It helps, to have a second person to adjust your rudders to either turn the end-piece inside or to measure on the outside.
I kept both rudders in a horizontal position for the alignment and equalized the center-distance on the bracket and on the far end.

Obelix