rudder failure

[larry shulman]

has anyone had or heard of rudder failures on the 400, I experienced one on a brand new 400 two years ago and I am just trying to see if it was isolated to just a few rudders built at that time

 

[larry shulman]

follow up on rudder failure

I just noticed a response to my posting in 1999 on my rudder failure with a short narrative by Coney Marine. First my rudder failed with out any impact to it that could be observed. I hit "nothing" the post,the inside structure of the "skeleton" was fine. The material of this rudder delaminated for whatever reason. Another owner of a boat manufactured the same week had an indentical failure while cruising the LI Sound under calm conditions. This rudder failure was clearly a manufacturing defect and I have never gotten a response from Catalina explaining what they found. Samples of the rudder foam are available and I think it is a shame that Catalina did not provide me with and answer or "best guess" of why a brand new rudder disintegrates for no apparent reason. this rudder failed under strong loads, but nothing that is unforseen in local sailing conditions. I strongly urge all owners of this model to inspect their rudders yearly and press for the answer from Catalina so that you will not be faced with the possible unexpected failure that I was faced with.

 

[Bill]

It was replaced under warranty?

As a future owner of a Catalina 320, I am hoping you will tell me that Catalina replaced the rudder at no cost to you.

 

[Tim Leighton]

RUDDER

Larry: Thanks for advising us again about this potential serious problem. Bought a 2002 400 at the Annapolis show last fall and got less than a complete answer to my questions about rudder integrity. When I visited the factory in Largo, FL (just outside StPete) last winter, got a chance to see the rudders being built. I'm no expert in fiberglass or structural composition, but it looked to my untrained eye that they were doing a pretty good job. I was particularily impressed with the "attitude" of the men who were building the rudders. Although there was a small language gap, the guy in charge of that area of the plant made it very clear that he was very proud of the product he delivered. Hopefully, they have corrected any rudder defects in past year's construction. One item of note for potential 400 owners. The rudder on the wing keel version carries about 3" MORE draft than the keel itself! I measured it several times! Probably not a problem unless you run aground going fairly fast on a very gradually sloping bottom where the rudder hits before the keel. Good luck with your "new" rudder Larry. Come on down to the Chesapeake Bay sometime!Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")

 

[larry shulman]

rudder repaired quickly

Catalina did a great job along with the local dealer Coney's Marine to have a replacement put on the boat. It just left me with an uncomfortable feeling that I did not fully understand the failure mode.