I have an Ericson 29 with a spade rudder which I believe is foam encased in fiberglass. There are no visible problems with it now. I have heard that these are an item that can have problems from water getting inside. Is it worth putting some fiberglass tape and resin along the edges to reinforce it? Probably worrying about nothing but can't hurt to ask.
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Tim, I had one of those.
Bought it new in '76. I ordered it with the tall rig and an ENGINE! Nothing was standard. Not even floor covering. That includes the sails. I think Hunter saw an opening and invented 'cruisepak'. I bought a Hunter. Any chance that you could post a picture or two. I'd love to see the lay-out again. Still remember washing my newborn in the sink. Oops, almost forgot. Never had trouble with the rudder.
Bought it new in '76. I ordered it with the tall rig and an ENGINE! Nothing was standard. Not even floor covering. That includes the sails. I think Hunter saw an opening and invented 'cruisepak'. I bought a Hunter. Any chance that you could post a picture or two. I'd love to see the lay-out again. Still remember washing my newborn in the sink. Oops, almost forgot. Never had trouble with the rudder.
Rudder
Foss Foam who make many of the rudder recommends they get painted white. Dark rudders in the sun get hot and build up pressure. On launch day they cool fast and suck in water. The next winter they split open during winter layup in New England (trust me I know these things) from ice and frost. Common area for water intrusion is where the metal post meets the fiberglass. A bead of 3M 5200 may help that area. If there is any doubt, drill a drain hole in the bottom of older rudders and fill it with epoxy before launch each year. Look at the post for electrolysis and corrosion. Foss had a web site with useful information. I helped a friend replace a rudder on an Ericson 33 and it was better made and cost less than the rudders I put on my Hunter 34.
Foss Foam who make many of the rudder recommends they get painted white. Dark rudders in the sun get hot and build up pressure. On launch day they cool fast and suck in water. The next winter they split open during winter layup in New England (trust me I know these things) from ice and frost. Common area for water intrusion is where the metal post meets the fiberglass. A bead of 3M 5200 may help that area. If there is any doubt, drill a drain hole in the bottom of older rudders and fill it with epoxy before launch each year. Look at the post for electrolysis and corrosion. Foss had a web site with useful information. I helped a friend replace a rudder on an Ericson 33 and it was better made and cost less than the rudders I put on my Hunter 34.
Thanks Daryl, so it's the temperature change
not the time spent in the water. I'll rest easier. We leave 'em in the water.
not the time spent in the water. I'll rest easier. We leave 'em in the water.
Fass Foam
Rudder links: http://www.soverel33.com/Quicklinks/Rudders/Links.html Including: Foss Foam Products of Florida - 7060 Highway 41 North, Williston, FL 32696 Tel: 352-529-1104 Fax: 352-529-1106 web page: http://www.newrudders.com/ newrudders DOT com email: BobWalker10@aol.com
Rudder links: http://www.soverel33.com/Quicklinks/Rudders/Links.html Including: Foss Foam Products of Florida - 7060 Highway 41 North, Williston, FL 32696 Tel: 352-529-1104 Fax: 352-529-1106 web page: http://www.newrudders.com/ newrudders DOT com email: BobWalker10@aol.com
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