tiller slop - rudder repair question

[patsheridan]

i just had someone dive and clean the bottom of my islander bahama 24'. i asked him to check around the rudder if possible to see why i have play in my tiller (it raises up a bit, and has a bit of "slop").

he reports feeling around and finding a missing section of the fiberglass bulbous area thru which the tiller/rudder exits the bottom of the boat. i can't find any diagrams anywhere which would show me what the heck he is talking about. i told him i didn't want to haul out until after this season if possible, and he suggested using a "Z-Spar Splash Zone" epoxy to perform a temporary repair.

any thoughts as to my tiller/rudder situation and this possible repair?

 

[higgs]

I would get the guy to draw it out for you. If I am concerned about the integrity of rudder, I want to take care of it now.

 

[higgs]

Just have them lift you out enough to see what is going on. then you can decide from there wether you need to fix things right now.

 

[patsheridan]

agreed higgs - i was just thinking what might be the least expensive way to get her out for a quick look and poss. repair. my first boat, and i am not sure how to achieve this.

 

[Ted]

Tiller slop

If you're in an area with a good amount of tidal swing, run your boat aground next to a bulkhead at high tide. Then tie the boat up against the bulkhead and wait for the tide to drop. When the tide falls, you may have just enough tidal drop to catch a look at the top of the rudder and you won't have to haul the boat unless it's necessary.