I have a rudder that has a V crack approximately 1/16 inch wide and 1/8 inch deep on its leading edge from top to bottom. I have been told that the cause was water getting into the rudder and freezing. I have also been told that I need to drill inspection holes in the rudder so that I can examine the plate/tabs to see if the welds are good or if they have deteriorated. My boat was built in 1976. Does anyone have experience doing this? Does anyone have any pictures or information on how to do this?
Rudder Inspection
- Thread starter Styx
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I would just get someone to weld that closed. Yes the cause is probably is from water freezing and expanding. Maybe drill a couple of 3/8 holes on the bottom for water to drain out of. As for drilling holes to inspect plate/tabs...?? The rudder is welded around the outside to close it. There will be some extra internal structure around ware the post enters the rudder but it will only be welded to one side of the rudder. Its really hard to weld the other side when you close it and don't have access.
I wouldn't worry too much unless the rudder is grossly misshapen from ice expanding in winter. If you still have it on the hard a mobile welder can do the job rather quickly.
Good luck.
I wouldn't worry too much unless the rudder is grossly misshapen from ice expanding in winter. If you still have it on the hard a mobile welder can do the job rather quickly.
Good luck.
I'm not sure of the material your rudder is made of but mine was fiberglass. I have several cracks that I routered out and filled with epoxy. Before I did that I drilled several holes in the side and bottom to let the water escape. After the rudder sat inside for a couple of months I started filling the cracks with epoxy. I then fiberglassed the leading edge and faired it out. I did dig out the area around the tube and filled that with epoxy as well. 2 years now and no cracks or water leaks. Hope this helps sorry can't find any pictures.
I would be very concerned, and would address the issue immediately. That is an old foil, most likely structurally compromised, and it leads to a scenario you are likely unprepared to deal with - loss of rudder. Talk to S2 about original construction, determine cost-benefit of rebuilding vs. getting a new rudder. I'd replace it and move on - that rudder is shot.
Okay "old boat" don't know "how long its been" like this? My best guess this is a water logged rudder, and could fail at anytime. I would error on the side of safety. And since nature has already done most of the work for you in pulling it apart. I would get my multi tool out finish off splitting the rudder into two halves. Just pull it apart while its still hanging. Don't worry its already broken. I know all this sounds scary, but once its done and you see whats really going on you will be glad you took it head on. I know because I have been through this before and seen rudder repairs on others boats. Some where done with rudder in place hanging and some with rudder dropped and layed across a couple of saw horses. I prefer laying it flat. While making the final repair. What you will find is probably a mushy foam core fiber-glassed over just a metal skeleton frame. Maybe its corroded real bad or just minor. What ever the case you can then see whats really going on for sure . Clean it up check the welds have them redone if needed. Once that is all done you can then fiber glass it all back together. Fiberglass is not that hard once you have had a little practice at it. Make a plan work out all the details of how things need to go. Find a friend or pay someone that has experience working with fiberglass that can help you learn a new skill.
Now when you take her out you will be much better relaxed not worrying about the unknown.
Best of luck let us know how it goes. Take lots of pictures.
Rebuilt mine
I rebuilt mine a couple years ago. What I did was take a cutoff tool, and open up one side, from top to bottom. Cleaned out all the old waterlogged foam, And reglassed the side back on to it. If you want more info, and some pics, just PM me. Will be glad to share whatever I have.
I rebuilt mine a couple years ago. What I did was take a cutoff tool, and open up one side, from top to bottom. Cleaned out all the old waterlogged foam, And reglassed the side back on to it. If you want more info, and some pics, just PM me. Will be glad to share whatever I have.
Sorry to say you probably won't get far with that. S2 went out of the sailboat business quite a number of years ago. A little while back, they put out an open letter addressing some frequently asked questions and the support that they can't provide. See http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=7794&Itemid=222. It looks like rudder molds are one of the few things they may be able to help with in some cases, but this situation shouldn't require a whole new mold.Gunni said:
If it is beyond repair this company can build a new one. This is Foss Foam they are in Good Old Boat.
http://newrudders.com/
Best of luck. I reaired mine two years ago. Drilled holes in it to let water out and dry filled with thckened Epoxy Fiberglassed the ends faired and painted it. So far so good.
Joe
http://newrudders.com/
Best of luck. I reaired mine two years ago. Drilled holes in it to let water out and dry filled with thckened Epoxy Fiberglassed the ends faired and painted it. So far so good.
Joe
Here are some photos that I posted a while ago of my rudder repair. A little different than yours, the fiberglass skin was just delaminating, not split like yours. I ground off the delaminated areas and let it dry out for a few weeks before reglassing it. I also laid an extra layer of glass on the leading edge and faired it out. After two seasons, it still looks great and no more delamination.
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=744783&highlight=rudder delamination
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=744783&highlight=rudder delamination
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