Frozen

[Mike]

I sail my 28' Oday on the Great Lakes and when I put her on the hard for winter lay-up it means it will be cooooold out. Unfortunately some water found it's way inside the rudder and it froze. The freezing popped the fiberglass skin out and it now needs to be repaired. The fiberglass repairman said that I ought to seal the top of the rudder with 3M 5200. However there is a nylon washer between the top of the rudder and the hull. Do I have to drop the rudder in order to properly seal the area where the rudder shaft enters the rudder stock or can I just force 5200 under the washer and call it good?Info please.Thanks,Mike

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

I'd drop it

Before the sealant question, I'd be looking hard at that rudder. Fiberglass and foam is essentially infinitely repairable but you want to make dang sure that the thing is sound. You need to re-adhere the glass to the foam and ensure the glass itself is solid. As far as the question you actually asked, yes, I'd drop the rudder. You may not have to remove it. It may be possible to loosen it and lower it enough to do what you need with it still on the boat.Justin - O'day Owners' Web