rudder replacement

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Judy

We just lost our rudder out in the ocean off of Long Island. Needless to say we are safe and sound, however, does anyone know where we can get a replacement or a used rudder, or do you have the specs for the rudder. Thanks. jc
 
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Jeff D.

Foss Foam

These are probably the original manufacturers. Use the link below
 
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Ed Schenck

I'm with Royce.

Chances are slim of finding a "used" replacement so Foss is probably your only choice. But I am with Royce, we really would like some details. Most, if not all, of us H37C owners know the rudder system is a weak point. Your experience would help.
 
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Mark M Smith

FOSS FOAM IS THE MANUFACURER!

Trust me I have been through this
 
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Judy

cost???

Any idea how much we are talking about for a replacement????
 
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Ed Schenck

Don't tell her the cost!

Not until we get some information. Judy, why are the details not forthcoming? Is it because it was sailor error? That's OK, we have all done it. We really need to know what happened.
 
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Dave Simpson

Details, please!!!

You are talking about a failure that could sink the boat, possibly drowning the crew....please supply details so we can look to the safety and seaworthiness of OUR boats.
 
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Judy

I want to thank Jeff and Mark for their help. It ends up Foss is on vacation for this next week. I am very dissappointed with the attitude of some other members of this group. I would hope you would be patient on details and help us get this baby home. There was no crew error, and until this vessel is hauled we know as little as any one else. We were 3 3/4 nm out in the ocean off of Jones Inlet, in 6 to 8 ft seas, 18 + winds. We were quite fortunate. As the hole for the rudder post is above the water line we did not take on water. Again, I will ask, does any one know about how much the new rudder goes for. If this IS a big secret, we will find out next week when Foss is back to work.
 
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Linda

Costs...

Just for an idea of the costs, a new rudder for my 27' was quoted as $961.70 plus $85.00 for shipping. Add on to that any damage to the rudder post/tube and labor. Glad you are all safe.
 
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Alan Johnson

Rudder Costs!

Last fall while moving my "85 H37C from Long Island Sound to the South Shore I was sailing in the ocean and taking 6 foot seas on the starboard aft quarter. The waves kept pushing the aft section down the face of the wave and unknown to us we Bent the rudder shaft about 7 deg. We knew we had a steering problem but did not realize it until we had the boat hauled. I contacted Foss Foam and they had the original mold and built me a new rudder with heaver tubing for $1594, delivered and it came very quickly. It took a couple of hours to remove the old rudder and the new one went in easily. We inspected the fiberglass tube in the hull and repacked the lower bearing. Had to dig a 38" pit under the rudder to get the old one out and new one in. My rudder has an upper bearing that is thru bolted and I can't inagine the rudder falling out. Also, check with you insurance carrier, as I found out my loss was covered almost entirely by insurance. Been there, done that. contact me if you need assistance
 
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Steve Humenick

Lost Rudder

Did this happen on 7/31? I was crew on a Ranger 33 doing the ALIR and heard the calls to the CG, glad everyone is safe. Just to inform anyone not familiar with Jones Inlet the water is only about 40' deep 3mi offshore. With an east wind and a fetch all the way to Portugal the waves tend to get a bit square with breaking tops, if something is going to break that's the place it will do it. The heavier shaft wall thickness of the new Foss Foam rudder is a good idea and should help to prevent problems in the future. I might add that I sailed on Alan J.'s 37 cutter to Bermuda with two days of 35kt winds and 9-12' seas with no problems from the new rudder. Your boat should be better than new with the new rudder.
 
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Judy

lost rudder

Steve, you are right. That was us. She is still on the South shore, not happy. Will get calls out tomorrow. Hope you had a good race. From the results, I see you finished. Congratulations.
 
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Tom Hadoulias

Some Additional thoughts...

Judy, Having recently rebuilt my rudder assembly and having a lot of concerns about how Hunter originally built it, let me give you the benefit of my experiences. Foss foam is a great company to deal with, they are very helpfull and the $1500+ figure quoted is about right as mine was $1100 and some change in 1998 dollars. Some things to prepare for especially if the boat is in a less than aggreeable position for rework. It sounds as if your rudder broke away at the stern tube. This is the most common failure due to stress and crevace corossion. This would explain why you didn't take on significant amount of water as even though the stern tube is above the water line it's not by much, a couple of inches at best and on a heavily loaded boat the rubber hose attaching to the F/G tube and packing gland is below the waterline.. I'm speaking from experience here so if you're in the water leave that assembly in place! If your upper rudder shaft is still there less the rudder then you'll need to remove the quadrant, undo the bolt at the upper bearing and remove the shaft. Be prepared for the quadrant to be corroded at the attaching bolts. The Edson quadrant had stainless bolts going into the aluminum quadrant threads. They'll most likely strip if your lucky and break if your not. At any rate they will need to be through drilled so that you can use nuts and bolts in the future if that mod hasn't been made previously. I mention this because it may require the help of a machine shop and you may need to figure it into the mix. I hope this is of some additional help as I know this is a very concerning situation. Don't be too hard on the guy's though, It's this quest for knowledge that drives us all to understand our boats weakneses so we can make improvements and help others with what we've learned. Good Luck and keep us up to date on your progress. I've included a link to some rudder mods I've made on my boat when I installed the auto pilot and there are some others in the archives as well. At least they might help by giving you a visual perspective when you can't view your own boat so you can plan a little better on what's there. Tom Hadoulias S/V Lite Chop, H37C
 
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Steve H.

Haul Out Help

Judy, I haul my 37C out on the south shore in Patchogue, nice people and very reasonable, South Shore Boatyard 631-475-5196. Only problem is they, as most yards on the south shore, don't pull masts if you need land transport. I also have a 37C rudder with a slight bend in the shaft that could be used in a pinch in calm conditions. If you need help with anything please email me at steze51x@aol.com and I'll send you my phone numbers. By the way we pulled out of the race, that was the other Ranger 33 that finished. Steve
 
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Judy

on hold

Thanks a bunch for the more supportive replies. Right now we are waiting for this fine vessel to be hauled and for the adjuster to take a look. Hopefully we will know more by the end of the week. Will keep you updated.
 
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Royce

Nice work Tom

Hi Tom, I really liked the split bearing you designed for your rudder. That was some nice machine work as well as design and it looks great. Royce,
 
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Tom Hadoulias

Thanks Royce...

I had some serious problems with a loose rudder at the stern tube and I wanted a fix that would work without hauling the boat or dropping the rudder until I was ready to do some serious glass work. The split bearing worked so well I really don't need to address the problem till some future haulout. I'll still reinforce the stern tube just for additional strength but I have no concerns about structural integrity as is and we've put her to the test on numerous off shore excursions. Tom
 
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