I have the privilege of replacing my rudder now that I have experienced sailing without steerage. I have read all the posts about it and have two questions. 1. My 83 Hunter 31 has always been in fresh water. The rudderpost broke right at the weld inside the rudder where the two posts become one. On the post in the rudder, there is no welding material left and there are only two very small indications of rust -- no significant corrosion. (I haven't seen the other end of the post which is still on the boat.) Why does the post have to be welded? Can it be bent to the correct angle? (I assume no because the post would lose some stregth.) Can it be coupled (brazed?) like you would a PVC pipe? After seeing the welding, I understand why people have to replace the rudder regularly. 2. Where can I get new bushings? Foss Foam said to get them at a plastic "machine" shop -- what's the chance of really getting them within the right tolerances? Thanks for the help.
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Picture of Mine ...
I posted picture of the stainless frame broken at the weld on this web site last year. Don't know if they are in the archives. All the fiberglass and foam were removed. It's a poor design with very little metal. If I would have seen what was in there before my new one was made I would have invested extra money to make it stronger. I sure hope Al Walker at Foss didn't duplicate the original design or I may be back for my third one. Appears I discarded the picture I have but could get more if you need to see what's really inside there. I have an '83 h34 and the early 34 rudders were identical to the h31. Barry
I posted picture of the stainless frame broken at the weld on this web site last year. Don't know if they are in the archives. All the fiberglass and foam were removed. It's a poor design with very little metal. If I would have seen what was in there before my new one was made I would have invested extra money to make it stronger. I sure hope Al Walker at Foss didn't duplicate the original design or I may be back for my third one. Appears I discarded the picture I have but could get more if you need to see what's really inside there. I have an '83 h34 and the early 34 rudders were identical to the h31. Barry
Replaced rudder last summer
I replaced my 1984 Hunter 31 rudder last summer. Foss Foam makes their replacement rudders with a single piece of pipe. This way they eliminated the joint which was my rudder's failure point as well. You will need to drill the holes though. Hopefuly it will last! rick
I replaced my 1984 Hunter 31 rudder last summer. Foss Foam makes their replacement rudders with a single piece of pipe. This way they eliminated the joint which was my rudder's failure point as well. You will need to drill the holes though. Hopefuly it will last! rick
Rudders
Think again about that rudder being one piece, unless Al has changed the design it's still Two pieced. I only went through three of them. Because the Rudder get's narrow at the bottom they use a small size pipe and cold rolled steel. The last one I had built up was all stainless steel and pinned at those welds. Or at least thats what Al told me.
Think again about that rudder being one piece, unless Al has changed the design it's still Two pieced. I only went through three of them. Because the Rudder get's narrow at the bottom they use a small size pipe and cold rolled steel. The last one I had built up was all stainless steel and pinned at those welds. Or at least thats what Al told me.
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