Hi Mike, Good to hear from you! We do have a rather dirty river here just before the Snake meets the Columbia. I suppose you experienced this issue a bit then? I’ll try the silicone grease. Ive tried a different grease (I can’t remember the type right now) and it only helped for a short time. I hadn’t thought about the vertical press, but I’ll pursue that as well. Hope you are well. Gerry Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: bownez@juno.com <bownez@juno.com> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 5:43:07 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: M_Boats: Re: M23 Rudder Rod Assembly - Hard to raise rudder Hi Gerry, That rod is a tight fit. It would get a bit of corrosion on it from the river and make it even more difficult. Have you tried polishing the rod or perhaps straightening it in a vertical press? I believe it is bronze. A bit of silicon grease helps too. Good luck sir. Bones