Hello everyone , can any body help. I own a Trapper 501 built 1985. Today I had to remove my rudder for repairs. Prior to removing it I found a large amount of play in the rudder and accepted that the bearings need renewing. The problem is that there is no bearing. It appears that the rudder stock has a sleeve which runs top to bottom. Is this normal on 501’s. Has anybody tried to deal with this before and how. My rudder tube was bent in a accident and I hope someone may know of a good rudder available for sale somewhere. I am on Lymington river and look forward to replies. Graham.

In my opinion, the best thing to do is junk the standard rudder, make a new one and hang it off the transom. Build a skeg so you can fit a bottom pintail. You will end up with a stronger rudder, directional stability, and a much more usable cockpit.