H37C Stern rudder shields

[Richard McDonald]

Have any of you H37C owners ever replaced the 2 stern rudder shields that attach to the hull and deflects water on each side of the rudder and tube. They seem to be fabricated in some sort of plastic or PVC or ?? . Mine have developed cracks in the upper portions and I would prefer to replace them instead of trying some sort or repair.I have include a photo of the parts.Thanks for the help.RichardH37C Rhapsodie

 

[Ed Schenck]

Deflector replacement.

That was the first thing I replaced on my H37C Richard, in 1999 I think. I made new ones from hard rubber. I bought two stair treads and cut them from that. I think a hard rubber(plastic?) truck mudflap might be better. The car mudflaps are not long enough. I have also seen them made from sheetmetal. And I have seen many H37Cs with none. They were removed and the holes filled.My concern has always been that those screws go through fairly thin fiberglass and there is no backing. If those screws leak that is water in the bilge. This year I tried to fill that void by shaping a couple of 2x3s and glassing them into that void. It's a tough place to get into, directly under the radial wheel for the rudder.

 

[scott]

Clueless is Seattle

can you guys explain the rudder shields,(purpose/location) cause they are not on my boat, an '85.Scott

 

[Ed Schenck]

Where and why.

I can explain where. The "why" is purely conjecture. They attach at the very last inch of the hull and right above the part of the rudder that is forward of the rudder stock. They overlap the top section of the rudder, probably about four inches at the top and tapering to around two inches at the bottom. The front edge is perpendicular and sits in a depressed area, came out of the mold that way. That vertical depression is about fifteen inches long I think.One thing they definitely do is keep lines and fishing nets from getting in the space between the leading edge of the rudder and the hull. That from the voice of experience. I also think they have something to do with hydrodynamics, reducing turbulence or whatever. I know they saved my butt last October when the nets were not where the buoys said they were. That and the folding prop.

 

[scott]

Thats interesting Ed

my hull has no grooves above the rudder. But I can see where a line etc. could get caught between the top leading edge of rudder and the little skeg. Every 37C has the little skeg right?Scott

 

[Richard McDonald]

Scott, here is a photo of where

they are mounted on 1979 H37C. Ed and I have sister ships.Ed, thanks for the response. I may try rubber as you did.RichardH37C Rhapsodie

 

[D. Prior]

Rudder deflectors

I have a H37C, 1984. These deflectors, or whatever they are called were fine up to about three years back. The local boat yard replaced the port one after working on the rudder (another story). It looked like the replacement was made from something like formica. It is definately not plastic and not rubber but the idea of a truck mud flap it great.About three months later I found I had a constant small leak into the bilge. It was not dangerous and I could not find it.At the end of the year I hauled out for the winter and found that one of the screws holding the port deflector was missing and there was a hole right through the hull! It was only a #6 screw!!The deflectors are only attached with self tapping screws that penetrate the hull. I immediately replaced all the screws with much bigger ones and sealed each from the inside. There was not enough access to put in bolts and nuts.As Ed mentioned they are very difficult to find on the inside. I think they add to the smooth flow of water and are probably worth having but I would watch them very closely.The small leak did not change my great opinion of my H37. I had a 20th aniversary for the boat three weeks back. My wife and I still enjoy Brassbounder as much as when we picked it up in Houston in 1984.Fair winds.

 

[Ed Allen]

D.prior

I have a 1984 also #386. What is your hull number?

 

[scott]

Richard, can you fix your photo?

Thanks. Scott

 

[Larry Bliss]

Rudder deflectors

We have an '84 37C. I just went to Tap plastic and they made me a couple of new ones that matched the originals. I don't recall the cost, but I'm sure it was reasonable. I also used them for several other projects. (light covers, Wood replacement, etc.

 

[Scott Wilson]

Richard, never mind, I opened your photo

now I see what/where the deflectors are installed.Scott