Kick-up Rudder

[Mike Hanson]

My 1975 Catalina 22 that I bought last year has an 18 inch split on the leading edge of the rudder. I assume water entered the rudder at some point and swelled the plywood coring material causing the rupture. Can the split be repaired? If not, are used rudders available from salvage yards? I am hesitant to pay the $345 Catalina Direct is asking for a new one. Thanks.

 

[Matt]

It can be repaired...

Let it dry out for a while and maybe consider putting some "Git Rot" in the crack (penetrating epoxy). There are several routes to repairing the actual crack, the easiest and least expensive being a simple fiberglass repair kit, the professional and more expensive route would be to use West System. Unless you are a serious racer, I would probably use the fiberglass repair kit, sand it smooth, and cover it with a coat of surfacing compound. Total cost will be less than $40.