Are rudders always hollow core

[Billbeard]

I originally asked this as a thread and realized maybe too few would see it. The original was posted by Nice and Easy titled Rudder progress and having seen the photos that were poster I got to wondering.
Are rudders always hollow core? I just dropped the rudder on my lancer25 in preparation to put the boat on the hard figuring there would be less chance of damaging it and I thought by the weight it was solid. And now I’m wondering if I have saturated core material of some kind that I’ll need to deal with. Should I take a core sample?

 

[RichH]

Most rudders are designed for 'neutral buoyancy' ... will not 'float' nor sink 'very fast' when they fall off a boat.

Sure, to take a very small 'test core' will help to assay the current state of a rudder; but, unless you have some specific reason for doing so such as the rudder developing 'strange cracks' due to 'ice pressure' or a developing loosening of the rudder stock from the 'blade' portion ... would probably not be a good idea.

 

[BobM]

L25 rudder info

The L25 rudder is cored with foam. Your rudder is likely saturated with water. When I got my L25 there was a rusty spot on the side about eight inches from the middle bottom of it on the port side. I drilled a hole there a water drained out. It isn't uncommon for sailors in cold areas to drill such a hole in their rudder every fall so the rudder drains and doesn't split. Ask me how I know. I passed on drilling one year and had a very nice split to repair. I finally had some success with keeping water out after I recaulked where the rudder post enters the rudder.

 

[Billbeard]

Well I did it I drilled 4 holes top ,bottom front and back and guess what the darned thing is solid. I decided to drill when on closer inspection I found a longitudinal crack along the leading edge. So I decided to go for it no guts no glory and no water. So if what you guys are saying is correct some one must have gotten to it before me and filled the thing with resin. So Do I replace it or go with it the way it is? Bearing in mind it’s a first sail boat for me and I’d like to decide I like it before spending too much. Please some guidance from this wonderful brain trust!

 

[zeehag]

if it aint broke--dont fix it--put it back together and go sailing.....