I've just posted pictures of the process I used in making a replacement rudder bushing for my '82 37' CC Ketch. I used 2" thick HDPE (high density polyethelene), a readily available, inexpensive, self lubricating plastic that works easily with common woodworking tools.

I saw a query re: this problem a while ago on the old site and thought this solution might be of help to others. I could have drilled the shaft hole out to 1 3/4" (leaving a shelf at the bottom) and split a $7.23 bronze bushing that has an ID of 1 1/2" available from MSC Industrial Supply, but a machinist friend and I agreed it really isn't necessary. We've both worked with HDPE a lot and are amazed at how resiliant the stuff is.

Mike
"Elida-Jo"
West Gardiner, Maine