Rudder removal and crack repair

[hudson challenger]

Has anybody taken your rudder off? My Challenger rudder has been out of the water (boat sitting in yard) for a decade, and the rudder has developed large open cracks that follow wood grains. This rudder was build as a replacement, of oak with internal pins, and I would like to repair it . It is not obvious how to remove it. Looks heavy, too. Detach from rudder post?

-Any suggestions on sequence for rudder removal?

Any thoughts on a repair sequence of: fill all cracks with thickened epoxy (I like Mas brand), then sheath entire rudder in fibreglass cloth and 2 coats epoxy, then sand, add fairing compound, sand more, paint.

 

[TomY]

Check down the threads to rudder repair. I removed and repaired mine a couple years ago and the photos are still on. There's details of removal as well from Jon on his boat as well. I'd be glad to give more help as well if you run into problems. Good luck.