Weeping Rudder

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T

tmanahan

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Jan 12, 2013
2
catalina 30 lake city
I have a 1984 Catalina 30. Last Spring as I was getting ready to put the boat back into the water, I noticed rusty water seeping out of cracks hear the top of the rudder. I drilled some holes in the rudder to let the water out and then applied epoxy, but the seeping continued. My maintenance guy said we should take a look at it now that it is out of the water again, and do more of the same. However, I have read a number of posts lately which suggest that this is a fairly common, and not easily curable problem. The repairs sound pricey and uncertain. I am wondering if anyone knows what it would cost to replace the rudder.

Thanks.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
When I bought my 1990 Catalina 30 MKii the rudder was De-laminated. The old owner paid for it to be replaced with a new rudder. I had it barrier coated before I painted it.
 
T

tmanahan

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Jan 12, 2013
2
catalina 30 lake city
Bad Obsession said:
When I bought my 1990 Catalina 30 MKii the rudder was De-laminated. The old owner paid for it to be replaced with a new rudder. I had it barrier coated before I painted it.
Click to expand

Do you have any idea what the cost of replacing teh old rudder was?
 
J

javelin

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Aug 12, 2010
40
macgregor 26M Macgregor 26M newcastle
same thing

I have exactly the same weeping on my 1982. Starboard side near the top. Drilled to see if water would drain, but nothing came out. So fiberglassed after sanding and that worked for awhile. Seems to be an annual repair as this year a little weeping again. I don't think it is serious as this is a pretty big rudder . A neighbour paid over $ 700 for a new rudder on the same boat that he installed himself to save on labour. Not worth it IMHP.
 
jrowan

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
This is a common problem on all rudders of our age of boat. The rusting is coming from the inner steel grid of that is attached with horizontal metal strips, welded to the rudder post. When water migrates in as small stress cracks inevitibly form on the rudder half seams, it causes the rust to form. If the rudder gets grounded, it worsens. You can seal cracks w/ epoxy & barrier coat the rudder are about all you can do, short of major surgery. Eventually it will rust so bad that the metal fingers attached to the rudder post corrode out & the rudder will break from the shaft causing it to just spin. Of course that's when its time for a new rudder. I know Catalina sells replacement rudders, as they sold an upgraded, balanced rudder for the older 70's era C 30's. Its a big job, & the better part of a grand to buy a new rudder, plus swapping cost labor. I also kinda worry sometimes about the condition of the rudder stock sleeve, or bearing pipe, which is just household PVC plastic tubing. Gotta wonder how long that will last after 30 years of heavy torque against it. Gotta love Catalina's "cost savings measures" !!! lol.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
As you are in Minnesota, your real enemy will be water FREEZING inside your rudder!
 
B

Blue Hull

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Aug 1, 2011
33
Catalina 1981 C-30 Milwaukee
My 1981 which has been a Lake Michigan boat since new has the same problem. Very common. I think the other members have covered it nicely. The two options are an annual repair of the splitting or weeping area, or replacement with a new rudder. There are new rudders that are alternative construction that will not allow water in. With the right replacement rudder can can permanently solve the problem. Agreed that with freezing temps over the winter, you will always have a Spring repair on your hands as there is not way to stop the water from entering once the boat is lanched.
 
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