Broken ground strap to rudder post R21-EC

[Newf]

During some routine checks I found that the ground strap attached to the rudder post connection was broken. It was a result of being bolted on incorrectly. The lug was positioned straight up and down and as the rudder was turned from side to side the strap chafed on the shaft gland nut and eventually cut through the braided strands. Don't know how long it's been broken and probably not a big deal in the scheme of things but just another item to check on your tugs. Installing the lug so that it points forward instead of pointing down will prevent it from rubbing against anything and breaking.

 

[BB marine]

I do not think this is an isolated issue with the R21. I found the rudder post bonding wire severed on my C26 too. During yearly inspections of the components in the aft area under the stern seat I found the green cable severed from the post.


Has found



Repaired, After making the repair confirm that there is plenty of slack in the wire. Turn the helm wheel full port ( inspect ) full starboard (inspect) You want the connection at the rudder arm to be relaxed in all positions. This was not done during the original installation.



I don't think it is a design issue. It is a installation issue by the technician. He/she cut the wire to short or installed the cable connector at the wrong angle and did not check the travel after installation. The rudder being the largest metal surface in the water attached to the boat should be bonded. A full inspection of all bonded components should be done on a yearly basis. I inspect the wire to connector connection, connector to component connection, clean and tighten if needed, I also give the component a inspection for its condition.. Examples- under water thru hull fittings, valves, drain plug, keel shoe, stuffing box, and if equipped the divers dream anode mounting hardware.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

During some routine checks I found that the ground strap attached to the rudder post connection was broken. It was a result of being bolted on incorrectly. The lug was positioned straight up and down and as the rudder was turned from side to side the strap chafed on the shaft gland nut and eventually cut through the braided strands. Don't know how long it's been broken and probably not a big deal in the scheme of things but just another item to check on your tugs. Installing the lug so that it points forward instead of pointing down will prevent it from rubbing against anything and breaking.

Good catch, shows why it is important to do annual inspections and maintenance. We try hard to prevent those types of issues but over years of use something like that could expose itself. Glad it will be an easy repiar.

Thanks,