Rudder Bleed Hole for 35.5

[fred miller]

Now that my 35.5 is laid up on the hard for the winter I noticed a few items that are in need of attention. One is that the trailing edge, very bottom of the rudder which shows some signs of a water drip. I am experienced enough to know that all rudders collect water over time either through it penetrating the rudder skin or from the point where the the rudder post enters or from scapes along the bottom.On other boats I have owned, I have drilled a small 1/4 hole in the bottom of the rudder to allow it to "bleed out" over the winter to keep it from freezing and expanding. Then filled the hole with epoxy pre launch. My question is, is the rudder at or near the very bottom hollow, solid fiberglas or filled with foam core.And how high up do I need to drill the hole.OR is drilling a bleed hole not advised. Has anyone had any experience with this on a 35.5?Fred Miller S/V M SQUARED

 

[Rich]

I drilled holes

The 35.5 is known for water intrusion in its rudder. I'm the second owner of mine (an '88) and the rudder was replaced as a result of pre-purchase survey. Last time I hauled I drilled two holes, one high and one low, near bottom, for lay-up drainage. Then epoxied pre-launch in the Spring. I don't know if this helped, but I just hauled this year and rudder still seems sound.

 

[fred miller]

Rich, Hunter Agrees

Rich,Right On ! I spoke with Hunter and they agree that a 1/2 inch bleed hole should be drilled as low as possible in the bottom of the rudder for winter lay up. The potential damage is not from being wet so much as the water freezing and expanding.Also, someone else told me that you may see a linear wet area immediately after haul out, where the keel is joined to the stub on the 35.5. The reason for this is that there is water in the seam. . . It really can do no damage I think, considering the keel is lead and as long as there is not water in the bilge. I keep fairing the seam each spring pre launch and check the keel bolts for tightness. But because the keel and stub are two pieces they are bound to work out the fairing. If you look at other Hunters, this appears very usual.Fred Miller