Rudder problem and Painting the bottom

[Julie Kressler]

What makes the rudder stay up. I broke the pulley for the rope, which willlet the rudder go down but what am I missing , that make the rudder go up?I leave the boat in the water whats good paint, whats a book on fiberglassrepair, & how long does it take for the paint to dry on bottom of boat?

 

[Greg Stebbins]

The 23 magic rudder (when it works!)

Julie,Read my post called "The old, weird ways..anyting for a beer". That's your rudder and probably your rudder problem.I don't do F/G so I can't help there. Sorry.Greg 23 Faster-

 

[Julie Kressler]

Where's the Hinge, greg?

Either my rudder is water logged or because it hit bottom a couple of timesits not coming back up. So location ofhinge please, please.

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Rudder hinge ...

Julie,More than you want to know-The hinge pin is at the bottom of the large AL box structure (orginally painted black) attached to the transom. Semi useless Rudder info-(previous owners of my 23 never through anything away)Rudder was made by Foss Form, Inc.Phone (12yrs old)813-577-0478Clearwater, FloridaConstruction is F/G shell filled with Urethane plastic.Surface repairs-clean, dry, rough up damaged area, apply bondo with putty knife. Once patch has dried, sand smooth and paint directly with bottom paint.You will need to pull your rudder. If it's not floating up as it should, something's wrong. To pull the rudder remove the cotter pin or ring from the top hinge post on the transom under the tiller. If it's water logged, it's going to weigh a ton so get help. If its just damaged help's still a good idea because it's no light weight either way.From there drag it home and decide if its full of water or broken (or both probably). If it waterlogged, you can drill small holes to allow it to drain and dry. After that, find the leak(s), patch the holes, repaint and go. If it damaged, let me know how and we can go from there.Gstebbins@aol.comGreg Stebbinsps If you're in Florida (Palm Harbour?)I'm in Tx myself) you could contact Foss Form, Inc..They may offer advise on repairs. If you ask about replacement cost, be sitting down. Rudders are pricey (O-Boy!)

 

[Gary Bridi]

wATERLOGGED RUDDER

My rudder was water logged and I drilled about 6 1/4" holes to allow it to drain. When it was dry (a few weeks) I put it a heated area to insure that was sompletely dry. Then I used the West System to fill the rudder with epoxy. When it is dry, you can tap on it with a hammer and hear the spots where the foam core has separated from the glass outer shell. The West System worked great to rebond the core to the class shell(be sure to do it on both sides. After that, a simple sanding and painting and it is ready to go!

 

[Julie Kressler]

Problem solved, go ahead & laugh

Brain fart. The cleat the rope goes intois slipping. I believe thats my answer.Jokes on me. thanks for everyone's input