Swetting Rudder

[Chris Bogle]

Is there metal inside the Oday 22' rudder? We are having a few days of above zero temps and there is cold section in the middle of the rudder with condensation forming on both sides. I can't detect any perforations in the fibreglass which is what it seems to be made of but it is quite heavy making me suspect steel or maybe lead is inside that retains the cold. I am concerned as I hope it's not water that has leaked in and frozen inside. There doesn't seem to be any bulging from frozen water expansion. Any ideas?

 

[jcb2]

I bet it is water infiltration as it's common in older rudders. It's a good idea to drill a weep hole in the bottom and a vent hole in the top so it drains when it's out for the winter. Then of course you plug them up before it goes back in the water. Or upgrade to a new replacement rudder made of HDPE. I did this on my Santana and it was great. Check Rudder Craft.com. They have a couple options for the O'Day 22.

 

[emergpa1]

Is there metal inside the Oday 22' rudder? We are having a few days of above zero temps and there is cold section in the middle of the rudder with condensation forming on both sides. I can't detect any perforations in the fibreglass which is what it seems to be made of but it is quite heavy making me suspect steel or maybe lead is inside that retains the cold. I am concerned as I hope it's not water that has leaked in and frozen inside. There doesn't seem to be any bulging from frozen water expansion. Any ideas?

Rudder, the usually absorb the enemy. Usually they r foam core. You must have ice in there. Lake sail?I

 

[emergpa1]

Rudder, the usually absorb the enemy. Usually they r foam core. You must have ice in there. Lake sail?I

Consider

 

[Sunbird22358]

I'd suspect water has seeped into the rudder and is adding weight. Really, you should remove the rudder whenever you are not using the boat and stow it below in the cabin, that reduces the chance of water getting into the rudder. Also, during the off-season while the boat is hauled out, it is best to store the rudder inside a heated building to prevent freezing. Drilling the hole at the bottom of the rudder will allow any water to drain out and help to dry out the rudder while stored inside.
Pretty much all rudders on O'DAYs over 19' are fiberglass with a foam core ,no metal inside the outboard rudders, the larger boats with inboard rudders usually had a metal shaft with webs welded on to lock the shaft together to the rudder blade.
Dark-painted rudders can expand due to sunlight while hauled out, so keep them covered if not stored inside.