Rudder Problem on Oday 35

[rajhnsn]

I am currently doing a complete bottom job on my Oday 35. It has been peeled, sanding is underway etc. We have discovered that the rudder has likely been absorbing water. During the peel, three holes have opened up that seem to have evidence of rust.

Four options I am considering are:
1) open up the rudder to see if the flags are attached to the post securely and repair if not then close it up and seal the top at the post where it is likely leaking.

2) buy a new rudder

3) rebuild the entire rudder

4) have the rudder rebuilt

The budget for repairs is starting to get thin. What ideas and experience do people have that have been down this road? I'm told there is a place in Florida that makes replacement rudders. Does anyone have a web site? Does any one have the specs of the existing rudder and how it was built?

 

[jibes138]

replacement

My rudder delaminated on the hard one year. I drilled a million holes in it let it dry for a while then injected west epoxy into the holes with a syringe. I clamped it all down with bar clamps two by fours and stuff to apply the pressure evenly, like fabric. It would be better if I had used a vacuum bag. It worked good for several years but last year i replaced it with a new one while doing some refit work. I got the rudder at D&R Marine where they list them in the parts section. This website might also have them.

 

[rajhnsn]

My greater worry is if the flag connections to the post have rusted through. If they break free then I will lose steering. Most likely at the worst time. What did you do with your old rudder?

 

[jibes138]

Old rudder

Deaton's in Oriental did the work for me and they kept the old rudder. It was still solid but the shape of the repaired side was a little distorted. Like I said i should have vacuum bagged it. It was hard to notice though. I was worried the moisture inside the foam core would corrode the shaft, thus the replacement. Call Deaton's maybe they have it in an old pile of parts.

 

[rajhnsn]

Thanks for the input. I decided to replace it. It is being built by Foss Foam in Florida. D&R was close to $900.00 higher in price. I think they buy from Foss.