Hunter 23' Rudder Coming Apart

[carboman]

Looks like the gel coat/first layer of fiber glass is starting to separate from the core. I took it off the boat and washed it in prep for some new bottom paint. Left it in the good old FLA sun and noticed a bubble about the size of a softball, maybe larger bulging up on the starboard side. I have drilled a few holes in it to air it out and it is definitely wet under the skin. I am doing the alcohol drying treatment but don't think that's going to get it. Possible to pump it full of epoxy but I think it's weakened enough for a failure out on the high seas.

Any suggestions on repair, or what other have replaced theirs with. I see the Ida Sailor assemblies, but think I may have to move my pintles which I would like to try and avoid.

BOAT, Bring Out Another Thousand!

 

[Chasemixon]

Not sure if we have the same rudder, but one of these should help?
[FONT=&quot]this is where I ordered my Centerboard from[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Bob "Al" Walker
Foss Foam Products of Florida, Inc.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]www.newrudders.com[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]PH 352-529-1104[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Fax 352-529-1106[/FONT]

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104754
if you want to try to fix it???

 

[isaksp00]

I'd try to repair it first, given what I assume is the high cost of a new one. I have patched mine, but I have not experienced the kind of separation you see. If you want to get really aggressive, cut away the skin on the side with the bubble, along the edge of that face. Save the skin, and see what the core looks like - maybe you can dry it, and if needed add foam. This site (http://boatworkstoday.com/) has a good video series on redoing a much bigger rudder. You could then glass the skin back on, fill the cut edge and epoxy it. One good feature - the H23 has no internal support structure like a steel frame.

 

[MrUnix]

Pictures would help so we could see the extent of the damage! There isn't too much to the rudders.. basically a foam core wrapped in fiberglass with a gel coat outer shell. The two halves are 'glued' together, and it is the seam that usually fails (splits) allowing water in. When I repaired my rudder, I dug out the seam, filled with epoxy and then covered with gel coat to keep things water tight. If the foam in yours isn't gone, you should be able to fix it.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[isaksp00]

Very nice info page, Brad. I will need to touch mine up after this season, mainly epoxy with filler - no open seams. I have not found a final coat prep I like - what brand of gelcoat did you use, and how have you applied it? Brush, roller, etc.? I assume you don't have the specialized spray eqpt needed - I certainly don't, not even a compressor.
Peter

 

[C Jones]

My original rudder split/ delaminated on my second sail. I purchased the Ida sailer tiller rudder. It fit my pintles perfect with no modifications and sails like it has power steering. I highly recommend this upgrade. Pictures of it in my profile.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Carboman;

First, stand the rudder up and let the water to drain out. It will take time to dry out and then post a photo of the damage and send one to me privately to davecondon@mindspring.com so I can give you imput from a former dealer sir.

 

[carboman]

for your viewing enjoyment

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I have responded to repairing the rudder direct with Carboman. AS always, I do not share names, emails, phone numbers and so forth on this forum... If that person wants to share, then it has to c ome direct from them. I believe in privacy.

 

[carboman]

getting there

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

nice job carboman

 

[carboman]

Shake down cruise this past weekend with the newly repaired rudder. All went well. Need to post pics this weekend. I had the original aluminum housing powder coated white, came out super nice!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Great work sir. I would encourage you to post a description of the work performed and photos. That would really help. You get the atta a boy award.