Congratulations!
We've just started work on a 1973 Cal 2-29 in Baltimore, named Kefi. There is a Cal-specific forum here, although not very active. I'm afraid Sailnet is much more active for Cals, although the help and experience here is exceptional. To answer the question, the rudder appears to be the usual construction: a stainless steel shaft and paddle (skeleton), which is covered by foam and a gelcoat. You need to determine the extent of the damage. Apparently the shaft is bent, but is the rudder broken internally? And more seriously, is the fiberglass housing in the hull fractured? You certainly need to remove the rudder in any case. But first open the seat lazarettes and see if the fiberglass collar (shaft housing) looks cracked or leaking. Then work the wheel to see if the rudder post is wobbly or loose. With the boat out of the water, lock the wheel down and try to turn the blade by hand. If you can, the rudder may be broken internally. Rudders do get rebuilt or replaced. It may be harder for a brand out of existence, but I think there are places that specialize in custom made replacements. If the shaft is bent that much, the prospects of straightening it enough to function smoothly in its tube may be poor. There should be professionals near you that can help when you reach your limits. Owners rave about this boat, so don't let one problem area put you off. Mine has serious gunwale damage to remedy. Cals were reasonably well built and are worth the trouble. If you want to compare notes, find me in the MacGregor owners directory (s/v Lyra) and email me. Good luck.
