H216 Rudder Cracks

[Ranger Paul18578]

I recently found multiple horizontal hairline cracks in my rudder starting just below where the rudder exits the rudder housing. 2003 H216. Cracks are very fine and are currently probably only in the gel coat. I sent email and pix to Hunter but have not heard back. Is anyone else's rudder cracking?

 

[wundrbar]

I hate to break the news to you Ranger Paul but cracking on Hunter hulls is a common problem. And in some cases, the problem is much worse than cosmetic. Check out some other threads like these. And don't hold your breath waiting for Hunter to help you out. They will likely blame you and tell you how to fix it yourself. That's the "Hunter way".

Hunter 170 Hull Problems

stress cracks

170 Cracked Hull

Trying something different

 

[Ranger Paul18578]

wundrbar - The cracks are in the rudder not the hull/deck/cockpit. I believe the rudder is conventional fiberglass/gel coat/foam core. Am I correct? (P.S. I have repaired a number of cracks in my ACP...none near as serious as I have seen pix of for the 170s.)

 

[wundrbar]

Ranger Paul: Yeah I think you are correct about the construction of the rudder. But my comments about my bad experiences with Hunter's customer service area still apply. Good luck!!

 

[bloomac]

I have not experienced cracks in my rudder. However, the previous owner was pretty careless with my rudder. Therefore, I had to repair some large chips etc with fiberglass and Epoxy. Sanded it down and then painted it with AwlGrip. The AwlGrip is a pain to work with, but the results were beautiful. It has a tough finish that sparkles like mad since the AwlGrip has so much clear coat in it. Rubbed a few times when I ran aground, but didnt scratch up too badly. Did the same finish on the carbon spinnaker pole since the clear coat was peeling of the pole. Looks beautiful now, if not more tasteful than the black. Although not as high tech.