Rudder repairs...when? How much?

[Jeff Galvin]

I wrote a posting a couple weeks ago asking if I really wanted a 27. Well I found one for a song and am ecstatic. The service director at the marina where it was drydocked tapped out a "void" on the port side of the rudder and said I should put ~$500 into opening it up and reglassing it. The guy at the brokerage, who also does repairs, said I can sail it at least 2-3 years at which point I would be better off just replacing it with a new one. Any opinions? Outwardly the rudder looks fine...no puckering, cracking, bowing. Was the one guy just trying to milk me before the boat leaves his yard? Thanks Jeff

 

[Sean]

Rudder Repair

Seriously, You may be able to sail forever without doing anything to your rudder. I really wouldn't worry too much about it. A void doesn't really mean that it is waterlogged. Enjoy your new boat.

 

[Rob Rich]

Age Old Arguement

500 bucks to fill a void sounds steep, but at the same time, you do not want to suffer a rudder failure on a vessel the size of a C-27. That is one big honkin' rudder. I know of a couple of guys who have exploded J-24 rudders - not fun. If you are really concerned about it, talk it over with a neutral 3rd party. Sounds like you have two guys giving different opinions for obvious reasons. The one thing that sticks in my craw is that your boat is a 78. I would figure that a serious structural void in glass would have fractured or at least mushed by now. I have a '79, and I figure that on a boat that age, a void that size would have reared its head before you bought it. I had my boat surveyed, and recommend that you do too (even if it is after the sale). It takes some of the anxiety out of ownership. Good Luck man.

 

[Steve Ellis]

rUDDER Repair

I just replaced the original rudder on my boat with a new spade model built by Booth enterprises out of Victoria.It has made a new boat as far handling is concerned.No weather helm and much better performance to windward.$400 Can.....money well spent!