Rudder post repair

[swank]

I'll start off by admitting I am an idiot that should not be doing my own repairs.
That being said here's the problem.
I used the west system epoxy to take the slop out of my Catalina 30 rudder post and used to much, now the rudder is frozen solid. Does anyone have an idea as to how to free to up. It is stuck solid I mean really solid. Any ideas?

 

[dlochner]

Is the boat in or out of the water?

Was the rudder post heavily waxed before the adventure with epoxy?

Epoxy will soften at about 150* F. It might be possible to heat the rudder post and soften the epoxy.

 

[swank]

Thanks finally got it loose

 

[DayDreamer41]

@swank at bit more follow up here is always greatly appreciated and allows others to learn from your experience...

 

[Ward H]

@swank at bit more follow up here is always greatly appreciated and allows others to learn from your experience...

Definitely, please share.
I have a C30 and will be doing the same repair at some point in the future.

 

[31seahorse]

Hello swank, I applaud you with a smile for admitting your lack of knowledge. We all started there.

Catalina has always been known for having great owner assistance, and there is a forum here for Catalina owners. Others must have the rudder post solution you are looking for. The boat must be out of the water to remove the rudder, but you know that. There must be rudder shaft seals that will fix your problem, but the rudder must be dropped out and inspected to do that. Job #1: remove the epoxy you applied.