Broken Skeg

[Jeff Arnett]

This weekend sailing in 25kts of breeze, down wind in quartering seas, I had the misfortune of having the rudder skeg break. It broke where the rudder seats on the skeg at the lowest point, loosing the bronze rudder seat. The steering cables fell off the quaderant leaving me with no steering. After wrestling the sails down, I was able to fit the emergency tiller and limp back home.Any suggestions on fixing? Is there a replacement for the rudder seat on the skeg available? I never liked the skeg in front of the rudder and have thought about removing it. Has anyone else attempted this? If so how did you do it?Thanks,Jeff Arnetts/v Patty Anne

 

[Ernie Rodriguez]

H-30 Lost Rudder

A similar thing happened to a friend of mine on the Chesapeake Bay a few years ago on 1979 Hunter 30. Took on a lot of water as the rudder came off a large hole was left ( the rudder didn't come off completely), and almost sank if it hadn't been for the quick response of Casa Rio Marina located in the Rhodes River, who promptly came out with large pumps and was able to keep the boat afloat while towing it back to the marina. Can't remember all the details, but there was some kind of defect in the skeg or rudder arangement. You may want to contact Don Dunbar at Casa Rio Marina, 301 798 4731, and ask him about the rudder repair on "Venus". I have some photos of the damaged area prior to repair if you are interested, contact me at gualmo@sunline.netErnie

 

[Tim]

Warning signs?

Were there any warning signs before it went?