Rudder Inspection

[smoochie]

I have a 1978 30' and will soon haul the boat out to paint the bottom and complete several other repairs. While the boat is out I want to check the rudder, especially the stock and interior framework for evidence of corrosion. Does anyone on the list know what the interior metal framework looks like? Is it a series of 'rods' welded perpendicular to the stock, a large flat plate, or??? I definitely want to open the rudder up to inspect the interior frame but would like to only cut into it in 2/3 places so as to minimize the amount of effort to close it back up. Obviously, if the cursory look reveals a problem with the frame I will completely open the rudder and go from there. Thanks for your help. Smoochie

 

[Joe11688]

I have a 1978 30' and will soon haul the boat out to paint the bottom and complete several other repairs. While the boat is out I want to check the rudder, especially the stock and interior framework for evidence of corrosion. Does anyone on the list know what the interior metal framework looks like? Is it a series of 'rods' welded perpendicular to the stock, a large flat plate, or??? I definitely want to open the rudder up to inspect the interior frame but would like to only cut into it in 2/3 places so as to minimize the amount of effort to close it back up. Obviously, if the cursory look reveals a problem with the frame I will completely open the rudder and go from there. Thanks for your help. Smoochie

Most rudder shafts have two flat plates welded to them. One of the guys in my club had to make a whole new blade for his O'Day 27 and that's the way he described his shaft.