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I think I have more work ahead of me, but before I re-do, please give me your thoughts. I replaced the rudder post on my and all went well. Except when I was putting everything up and looked at the old rudder post. There on the post was a stainless washer about 1/8" thick that sits between the rudder guides and the transom. So the question is - how important is that washer? Should I go back and put it on (which requires complete disassembly)? I feel really dumb for not seeing it at the time, but that's spilt milk now. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
-Randy

The mechanic in me says replace the washer.
You have done the job once, now you know all the shortcuts and it will only take half the time to re-do the job. And you wont be wondering if its going to let you down every time you take it out. Also as you know Roger dosn't put anything in these boats that isn't needed.
You'll feel much better about it.
Darren.

Hi Randy,

I'm not able to look at my boat right now but I'm guessing that the washer in question is on the outside of the boat, atop the rudder bracket, around the rudder shaft. If that's where it is, definitely put it back on. When your rudders are deployed, the forward rudder line is pulling up hard to keep the rudder pivoted around (and pointing straight down into the water). That means that the washer in question is your bearing point - and it provides the small gap needed to keep the rudder bracket from scraping on the mount. It will operate more smoothly with less wear with the washer in place. Does this sound right?

~Bob

Bob - Yes that's the washer in question. I will install it with a lesson learned to think each step and look around for things overlooked. Now, to get that 3M 5200 loose!
Thanks for the reply - Randy