Rudder Fix/Replace - Beneteau 33.7

[apittman]

Hello,
Would anybody have any insight into how much it would cost to replace a spade rudder on a B33.7? It currently shows a high moisture reading on the lower third though no obvious delamination. Thanks!

 

[FastOlson]

Drop the rudder and take it home to a warm area. Drill a number of holes in the part that is wet. Water should drip out. After a month or so the dripping stops. After another month or two inject epoxy into the rudder and then wrap the exterior with fine cloth and epoxy and then fair it out and paint it. This works for many other boats, and might work for you.
Total replacement is seldom needed. I presume the shaft is straight and the structure is solid.

 

[apittman]

Fantastic. Thanks for that. Is there any way to expedite? Looks like a 2-3 month fix. While she’s on the hard right now there is a view to get her as near to Bristol fashion as my limited skill will allow and make the journey south.

 

[jssailem]

YOU need to get the water out and the material inside (be it wood or foam) dry. You can try creating a vacuum on the part to suck the water. You can try to warm the part to assist the drying. You can try to push warm air into the part to encourage a drying. Until you dry the inside out you will just be prolonging the problem.

Once dry then you can seal the outside as @FastOlson indicates and reinstall.

 

[apittman]

Good advice. Thank you both.

 

[jssailem]

Keep us in the loop with your progress.