Leaking rudder problem, how to fix?

[GeorgiaBII]

I'm getting the boat ready for the season and noticed when I hauled it out last year that some water drained out of the rudder... Knew it wasn't good so it was on my plans to fix this year.

I just upended the rudder and tapped it with a finger and it sounds like most of it below the water line is hollow, especially the lower regions, plus I can see where its separated a bit between the halves. NOT good I'm thinking.

What is the best way to repair this? The rudder is externally intact so if I can fill it and make it solid would that be best?

I was thinking about opening the bottom end of the rudder, cleaning out any rot and pouring in resin? Essentially making the rudder solid epoxy.

comments, thoughts, ideas, better or worse suggestions very welcome

Thanks

James
Concerned newbie.

 

[Ted]

Hollow rudder problem how to fix

I'd be concerned with pouring large quantities of resin into a hollow rudder because of the tremendous heat it will generate. Do some research about a product called Seacast. It's often used to make repairs to rotted transoms and decks and would probably be a good candidate for your rudder fix.
http://www.transomrepair.net/

 

[RichH]

Re: hollow Rudder problem how to fix?

Most rudders are intentionally hollow so that the rudder has 'buoyancy'. Pouring resin inside the rudder can, as Ted states, cause an uncontrolled exothermic / heat reaction that if powerful enough may 'push' the rudder apart.

Simply drain the rudder, drilling appropriate holes as needed, drain/dry out, fill the drain holes with epoxy, etc. ... and then carefully look for all possible sources of water intrusion - cracks, etc. and correctly repair them; carefully assay the area where the rudder shaft enters the rudder do major 'reseal' in this area if 'suspicious'.

Once 'sealed', etc. you can forcibly sink the rudder to look for escaping air bubbles (can be very small and very slowly leaking bubbles) to insure that the 'sealing' is correct.

 

[GeorgiaBII]

Re: hollow Rudder problem how to fix?

ahh ok so it would be better to seal the outside than worry about the innards?

I can easily fiberglass the splits and holes then sand and paint.

 

[sailaway78]

Rudder repair

Cut the bottom out, and pour in some expanding foam. Then glass it back up. Foss foam uses a 22# foam. I did mine last year, and used an 8# foam, which seems to do fine.

 

[GeorgiaBII]

Re: hollow Rudder problem how to fix?

Can I use that expanding spray foam you get from "great stuff"? Usually found at home depot and such....

I am a bit worried about structural issues with it sounding so hollow.

 

[sailaway78]

I wouldn't

I wouldn't use the stuff in the spray cans in the rudder. I think it's very light, as compared to the other foams. Not sure it you can buy from Foss or not. I bought mine off ebay.