Hi David....I have a 1984 LF38 that should be close to yours...we are now dropping the rudder every winter to prevent freezup. My wite and I can get it down ok, but it takes a bit of help from other sailors to get it back in. I have 2 set screws in the cap on the rudder shaft that need to be loosened. I end up using a pipe wrench to unscrew/screw the cap. To minimize damage to the cap nut I wrap it with Gorilla Tape. I have heard of exhaust hose being used...if you can get a good grip. Tried the flexible wrenches like for an oil filter....no dice...takes much more force. I wish there was a way to make it easier...10 minutes with a big pipe wrench and she is off! I drop it onto a sawhorse with blocks. I also make a bit of a netting with rope around the bottom of the rudder and tied over the top...kinda like wrapping a package with ribbon...but it makes it much easier to grab the rudder as we ease it down. Once down, and wangeled onto a two wheeler, I can put the shaft on my shoulder and move it around to the car pretty easily. One more thought.....I clean the shaft with a drill, 2-3 18" extensions, and a fine scotchbrite like (red) buffing wheel soaked in kerosene to get all of the old lube out. Hope that helps....Good Luck! Spencer Johnson 1984 LF38 #165 Alegria Racine, WI in the summer Waukegan, IL in the Winter
_______________________________________________ Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
