From: Don Oliver olliegog@aol.com
Category: Maintenance
Date: 15 Jun 1998
Given the age of the Newport 30 fleet, it is likely that most skippers have, or soon will, encounter considerable rudder post “wobble.” This results, primarily, from wear in the lower plastic bushing. There are various ways to correct this bothersome condition such as (1) periodically replace the bushing, which must be custom machined for a specific rudder post to ensure a snug fit, (2) have the boatyard install roller bearings in place of the top and bottom bushings (e.g., Harry), or (3) install nylon centering screws near the top and bottom of the rudder post housing. The nylon screw approach was implemented on Hot Chocolate over ten years ago and has proven to be a practical solution.
Items required for duplicating the Hot Chocolate installation include six 1/2” x 2” , coarse thread, hex head, nylon screws; corresponding tapered tap and drill bit; power drill; large crescent wrench; and silicone sealant. Installation steps are as follows: (1) Remove rudder, (2) Drill and tap two sets of three holes each in the rudder post housing perpendicular to the housing centerline. Holes in each set are located at 0° and ± 120° relative to the bow. Top holes are located about 1.25” below the cockpit floor. Bottom holes are located about 1.25” above the hull, which is above the waterline on Hot Chocolate. Holes do not need to be in the same plane. (3) Reinstall rudder, (4) Install screws with sealant and tighten to provide desired degree of rudder post centering and snugness, (5) Tighten periodically as nylon screw tips wear away.
From: downloader2k@yahoo.com
Category: Cruising
Date: 10 Nov 2001
I have the opportunity to move from Long Beach, Calif to Honolulu, Hi and have rigged my Newport 30 (1974 Mk II) for this. Now that the time has come, I don't have enough deep water experience and the delivery skippers say that taking a 30 footer there is "...roughing it" and there are lots of larger displacement boats for them to deliver in more comfort (and less drama). The freighter costs over $15,000 and frankly I don't have that much. Anybody been in the same rock/hardplace and found better answers? Thanks Tom
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