H34 - reinforcing the rudder tube

[Guillaume C.]

While preparing the boat I inspected the rudder tube and did not like to have the grid structure come so close to the post: if an impact was to create a leak at the tube base, the grid would get in the way of trying to stop the leak.

While enlarging the hole around the tube, I found the the junction is OK but not especially strong looking

Once the grid is enlarged and loose fiberglass (big bubble under) removed:


After some reinforcing with 24oz roving in epoxy, covered with 4oz cloth


And the final look with new berth. In case of emergency the plywood is quickly removed to access the tube base (but I doubt it will break at the base now..)


Cheers!
Guillaume

 

[Dan Johnson]

Nice work! Not an area known for damage, but it's much more of a rocky sailing ground up there in the "Great White North".

Dockmate hit something a few years ago that bent the rudder over in his 33.5 but didn't damage the rudder tube itself.

Any thoughts out there as to what one would do if the tube was damaged and cracked enough to leak?

 

[Guillaume C.]

Most of the time the shaft bend or break, but I've read about a couple of stories where the joint suffered damage, none on the H34 tought. A couple month ago Ocean Navigator (I think, not 100% sure) had an article about a boat crossing the pacific that sank following a leak at the post, I believe that it's what got me looking at mine...

Nothing is gonna seal well when water is flowing but by having access we could at least reduce the flow. Those water-activated fiberglass tape seem interesting, I never tried but will get some and see how it goes:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/pow-r-wrap-pipe-repair-kit-2-inch-x-30-inch/925823
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdutaStuhsQ

Also I've heard that those expendable-foam can work fairly well: put a bunch of foam on a plank or whatever and press it into place

 

[Guillaume C.]

Just an update of something else to check if you look around the rudder tube

Today I removed the rubber seal on top of the rudder tube and found out that there is no space between the top of tubing and the steering quadrant. I found it strange so went to look at the "thrust bearing" in the aft locker and sure enought, there was no pressure on it. The rudder has always been supported by the quadrant that move on top of the tube!

I cutted 2" of the tubing so the quadrant stop acting like a bearing. The movement is noticably smoother