Rudder delamination followup

[DannyS]

I know that many of you have been hanging on the edge of your seats to know how my rudder project went so I thought I'd post some photos. The project seemed a little bit daunting before I got started (like most projects) but it was pretty straightforward. I found the delaminated areas by dragging a ball peen hammer across the surface of the rudder. It was easy to hear the difference in tone where the solid areas were vs. the delaminated areas. Grinding was no fun but that was really the quickest part of the project. It's amazing how fast you can tear something apart, putting it back together correctly however, takes a long time. The project certainly took a while to complete, but I have confidence that the repair will last. I ended up applying Interlux 2000E which is seen in the last photo. I'll apply my VC17 when I paint the boat.

 

[jibes138]

Very nice job Dan. I probably should have done it myself but went with a new one. I wasn't too sure the shaft wasn't compromised being wet for a long time in absence of oxygen. I was probably too conservative but the new rudder was about $2800 so it wasn't a massive expense like a new motor. I'm glad you did the Interlux, saves you from doing it later if you change your mind. I put the interlux on my new rudder this spring but had to remove all the paint and primer. The boat was on the hard for 4 months so it got to dry out a bit.
It's a great feeling when you do it yourself and it comes out good. Have fun with the installation.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Looks like new. As I recall you did check the internal stainless. That would be my main concern. Mine was completely rebuilt and they found the stainless to be like new after thirty years. But all in fresh water.

 

[Lee3567]

Hi Danny S
Your repair job looks great! Did your rudder split in half lengthwise? If so could you tell me what kind of glue or product you used to put it back together? We are almost at the end of our season and would like to fix our rudder as we don't have time to build a new one. Our boat is coming out of the water in 6 weeks time anyway, then we can work on building a new one over winter. Thanks!
Lee

 

[DannyS]

No, my rudder's fiberglass skin was separating from the inner foam core, probably from the freeze/thaw cycle we see up here in the north. I just had to grind out those areas and re-glass them. If the rudder had split, as you suggest, depending on how bad it is, I'd probably be thinking of a new rudder, either purchased or built.

 

[redhead78]

Danny, I have experienced simalar problems wf my rudder, I found myself fixing every spring. It was plywood bolted to the stainless, no matter how you seal them I think they still take in water, being underwater for 6 months.I finally used to take it off in the winter and keep it in my garage, the plywood would hold the moisture and the freeze would explode it all over. Two years ago I had an accident and my rudder bent, insurance paid for rebuild. I don,t know what the new one is made from but its a lot lighter. Cost was around 3-4K....I used to use a floor jack to let it down, and install it, now I can hold it in place and install the fasteners...I still bring it home for the winter its esay and part of my winterization...Red