Rudder Snapping

[Bob]

A number of O'Day 25 sailboats that I know of have lost their rudders with the rudder just snapping (breaking in half). On your website it looks like the rudders that you build have a steel shaft embedded through (inside) the rudder. What year was this started (for the O'Day 25 - if ever) and wouldn't the steel shaft have prevented these rudders from snapping apart?

 

[Al Walker]

Reinforse

Bob, The illistration on our web page is of a spade rudder. Rudders like the O'Day 25 or off the transom rudders are constricted differently. The steel in a spade rudder provides extra strength. In an off the transom rudder extra fiberglass laminate provides the strength. We have added rebar,aluminum plate, honeycomb for people over the years at their request. The problem with adding a steel plate is that it is very difficult to drill. The extra weight could also be a problem but a foam rudder with a steel plate is still lighter and stronger than a putty rudder. I hope that I have answered your question. If not please feel free to inquire further. Thanks very much.Al Walker