rudder left in sun
- Thread starter dlewis812
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Absolutely!
There are always some gasses in foam filled rudders. The sun will expand these gasses causing delamination to some extent. In some cases enough delamination to weaken the structure. One manufacturer reportedly even recommended that owners should paint their transom hung rudders white instead of the typical dark anti-fouling colors as a result of delamination issues caused by the heat of sun.
There are always some gasses in foam filled rudders. The sun will expand these gasses causing delamination to some extent. In some cases enough delamination to weaken the structure. One manufacturer reportedly even recommended that owners should paint their transom hung rudders white instead of the typical dark anti-fouling colors as a result of delamination issues caused by the heat of sun.
I really can't say...
Your initial query was whether you should be concerned and that was easy to answer.
Without knowing the method of construction, the actual condition of the rudder, etc., etc., it is impossible for someone to give you a meaningful answer.
In the worst case scenario, one day could conceivably delaminate the entire side of a rudder. Odds are really high against that happening, but I've actually seen it happen on crummy rudder, in poor condition, with dark bottom paint, in July, here in the South. A well made rudder with no issues and left partially shaded will not be likely to have any problems result in only a week.
If it were mine and I couldn't get back to it, I would call someone and ask them to throw a tarp or sheet of plywood over it untul I could get back.
Then - No worries Mon!
Your initial query was whether you should be concerned and that was easy to answer.
Without knowing the method of construction, the actual condition of the rudder, etc., etc., it is impossible for someone to give you a meaningful answer.
In the worst case scenario, one day could conceivably delaminate the entire side of a rudder. Odds are really high against that happening, but I've actually seen it happen on crummy rudder, in poor condition, with dark bottom paint, in July, here in the South. A well made rudder with no issues and left partially shaded will not be likely to have any problems result in only a week.
If it were mine and I couldn't get back to it, I would call someone and ask them to throw a tarp or sheet of plywood over it untul I could get back.
Then - No worries Mon!
Chris- I was in your neighborhood yesterday.
Drove down with a friend and launched at Dinah's Landing (Goose Creek SP). We started upriver toward Washington, but the wind died on us before we got that far, just off Whichard's Beach. Still had a good time, but had to motor most of the way back to the landing. Man, it was hot when the wind quit! Didn't see too many others sailing either- saw a couple of sailboats, but they were motoring most of the time like me. -Paul
Drove down with a friend and launched at Dinah's Landing (Goose Creek SP). We started upriver toward Washington, but the wind died on us before we got that far, just off Whichard's Beach. Still had a good time, but had to motor most of the way back to the landing. Man, it was hot when the wind quit! Didn't see too many others sailing either- saw a couple of sailboats, but they were motoring most of the time like me. -Paul
That's the breaks.
Should have brought your water skis along, heheheh.
We planned a long weekend of sailing last weekend hoping to sail on out to Okracoke. The wind forecast was abysmal so we hauled the ski boat down to the creek instead. Saturday was great, but we should have been sailing Sunday and Monday...you just never know...
Should have brought your water skis along, heheheh.
We planned a long weekend of sailing last weekend hoping to sail on out to Okracoke. The wind forecast was abysmal so we hauled the ski boat down to the creek instead. Saturday was great, but we should have been sailing Sunday and Monday...you just never know...
Be afraid......
The Ericson manual suggests that their rudders be either painted white, or covered when ashore. Before we started covering our dark rudder with a white sleeve when hauled, we once had the rudder delaminate with just a few hours in the hot sun, requiring quite a repair. So yes, I would think a week or so could easily be too much.
The Ericson manual suggests that their rudders be either painted white, or covered when ashore. Before we started covering our dark rudder with a white sleeve when hauled, we once had the rudder delaminate with just a few hours in the hot sun, requiring quite a repair. So yes, I would think a week or so could easily be too much.
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