damage to rudder by outboard prop

[illusive]

Hmmm... what to do. New boat prospect, just hauled, still keen on boat despite this interesting rudder situation. Should we a) try to patch rudder and adjust motor mount (move engine over).b) do not repair rudder, but move engine mount overc) Buy a new rudder?Moving engine mount will involve drilling new holes in hull/transom - will that weaken the transom area?

 

[Mullet]

my vote is

A.If the PO let his rudder get chewed up by his motor, odds are that the transom could use some work, anyway.

 

[kellylsufan]

You can fix anything!

that doesn't look bad. If you are comfortable with fiberglass work it will be simple to add a little more glass to the rudder. If not now is a good time to learn. I suggest getting one of two motor brackets. There is a fixed one that moves the motor back about 9 inches then there is the one I have that is spring loaded and pushes the motor out about 2 feet. I was having a problem with the shear pin breaking when it would it the tiller.

 

[kellylsufan]

Holes in transom

When you move the holes. you can fill them with wooden dowels that have been dipped in epoxy then slid into place. Then coat with more epoxy. YOu don't lose and hull integrity this way.

 

[bruce cornell]

easier answer

do a search for prop guards, either the full circle or half circle that are sold here at sailboatowners.com, they redirect lost energy fore and aft for better control and act as a bumper for the rudder. about $100/150, but better handling/power gain is worth it.