Upon purchase of our '83 Hunter 27, the previous owner told me of a 'lesson learned'. Water had entered into the rudder through the place where the emergency tiller conects, froze, and cracked the rudder appart requiring an expensive re-build. Once rebuild, however, he only covered the opening at the emergency tiller connection with tape! Is there a cap of somesort that has been long lost? Any place where a replacement cap can be found? Any other suggestions? Thanks again! Off for another week cruising Lake Champlain on Monday. Nothing like waking up to the sound of a flock of Canadian Geese flying overhead so close you can hear the air under their wings. Kevin in VT