Any suggestions on how to fix this? Seen a bunch of YouTube videos, a bit nervous as to specifics. Appreciate any specific advice. 1980 o’day 28.
- Thread starter 2weelz4me
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,589
Welcome to the forum @2weelz4me . Nice picture.
It helps to have a bit of context to the image.
Looks like the rudder was dinged. Drain the water out. Dry the rudder. If all the damage is at the bottom of the rudder, then grind down to solid glass, fill the hole, patch and reshape using fiberglass epoxy. Paint and reinstall would be my go to plan. If the rudder has more serious issues, then you need to address those as well.
You can make this look good and serviceable. It may not look pristine new.
It helps to have a bit of context to the image.
Looks like the rudder was dinged. Drain the water out. Dry the rudder. If all the damage is at the bottom of the rudder, then grind down to solid glass, fill the hole, patch and reshape using fiberglass epoxy. Paint and reinstall would be my go to plan. If the rudder has more serious issues, then you need to address those as well.
You can make this look good and serviceable. It may not look pristine new.
Thank you so much js, I was hoping that would be the suggestion. Rudder shaft appears to be nice and straight so I was hoping an inexpensive patch would work. I put deposit on boat and was hoping to get it in about 10 days or so. I forgot to ask previous owner how it happened, but will when I speak to hi again. It’s a 1980 o day 28 I got for $2000. Engine seems to run great, but sail drive ( SD 20 ) needs diaphragms replaced, easily accessed in this boat, but not sure if I should try and do myself. ( my first boat ). Appreciate any advice on both repairs.
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,589
Buying an inexpensive boat is never cheap.
If you choose the path you are like the guy who buys that car that has been sitting behind the farmers barn under a tarp. It was only driven by grandma ma on Sunday to church.
There will be cost in learning skills to repair the boat, costs in not sailing because the boat needs work, costs in storage and etc. There can also be joys in solving problems and getting a boat back on the water sailing that otherwise might be still behind the barn under a tarp.
You‘ll also need some new tools. What hobby guy does not like to get new tools?
If you choose the path you are like the guy who buys that car that has been sitting behind the farmers barn under a tarp. It was only driven by grandma ma on Sunday to church.
There will be cost in learning skills to repair the boat, costs in not sailing because the boat needs work, costs in storage and etc. There can also be joys in solving problems and getting a boat back on the water sailing that otherwise might be still behind the barn under a tarp.
You‘ll also need some new tools. What hobby guy does not like to get new tools?
New tools and skills are always nice to acquire. Just hoping I can avoid any major expenses. I’m expecting a fair amount to be sure, but boat was in real nice shape besides mentioned items. My biggest worry is working on that sail drive diaphragm. Not that many videos on this specific replacement. Some say not bad at all, others say the job Was a bit tough. But haven’t seen it done on this exact set up. At least it’s really accessible in this particular boat, I just feel everything is likely to be frozen in place from age. It was a fresh water boat, so maybe things will loosen up more easily.
I agree with @jssailem....
grind down that area and clean it up. Hard to tell how big of a chunk JS missing, but you need to fill that edge with something (wood, foam, etc.), the glass over it to make it all water tight and strong.
I noticed a few cracks in my rudder as I was checking it over before splashing in April. Not nearly as bad as yours, but something I wanted to fix before it got worse...
I still need to sand this down, apply some barrier coat and then anti-fouling paint, it she should be ready to splash next week.
I have never applied fiberglass before, so this was a first for me, but I think I have the rudder sealed up.
Good luck on you new project!
Greg
Thanks Greg, I was also wondering if reinstalling rudder would be difficult? I would assume there are a couple of bushings and some sort of mounting bracket? Any info greatly appreciated!
I have never dropped a rudder, but yes, some bushings and more importantly, you have to reinstall the steering quadrant (assuming you have wheel steering). If you have a tiller, it would be simpler.
I went out and sanded mine repairs down today and added some barrier paint. Will apply some VC17 bottom paint on Wednesday, finish waxing the hull and hopefully splash her on Thursday!
Good luck with your project.
Greg
So apparently this Rudder is held in place by just one bolt at the top on the tiller. seems kind of strange that just one bolt would hold the whole Rudder on. Am I missing something? Anybody have any advice or instruction on how to properly install the Rudder to the tiller on a 28 foot o’ day?