In either case there, there is another variable that must be addressed before ordering a replacement rudder. In 1999 Catalina began equipping the 42 with a rudder bearing assembly that fit inside of the fiberglass rudder tube in the hull. The presence of a bearing assembly requires a slightly different rudder. To accommodate the bearing there is a notch in the top of the rudder where the post enters the blade. The photo above shows a rudder without the notch.

Some owners have successfully retrofitted the bearing assembly in their earlier 42's. As a result of these retrofits it is not possible to know from year and hull number alone if the replacement rudder must be built to accommodate the bearing assembly.

Rudder installation information and tips:
• The post will need to be cut to the exact length.
• The post will need to be drilled for the radial wheel, bearing assembly, and auto pilot arm if required.
• The rudder or rudder skeg on the hull may require minor reshaping at the top edge due to variances in the molds from year to year.

• Trailing edge: ~50"
• Chord (measured overall at the notch): ~33-3/4"
• Shaft OD: 2.860"
• Shaft ID (double wall): ~ 1-15/16"

1) Although early boats were equipped with a rudder shaft that was double walled, the double wall stopped well short of the top of the rudder shaft. Later, the double wall tube was extended to the top of the rudder tube creating an ID that was smaller than the original construction. New replacement rudders have a double wall construction that extends to the very top of the rudder shaft. If you have the earlier, single wall design, you will need a new emergency tiller kit.

2) This item does not conform to the shipping table in the Shopping Cart. Additional shipping must be calculated. When you place your order we always call with a shipping quote before billing your card. For a quote in advance, just call 800/959-7245.

3) An additional packaging charge also applies to this item.

4) A 50% nonrefundable deposit will be billed when your order for this item is accepted. The balance will be billed when the product ships.

5) This is a custom made part. You provide the information we need to build this product for you. Once you order it we are going to build it just for you, just as you asked. We never want to see it again, and no one else wants it either. So be careful and order it correctly the first time because it can't be canceled, returned, or magically changed into something different!