I have a 1982 C&C 27 with some rudder seawater intrusion, discovered after recent purchase and haulout to repaint the bottom. Please offer recommendations as to prevent corrosion, or halt further corrosion of the internal steel supports before rudder failure.
Obviously, I need to identify the sources of the intrusion, which I think one is where the rudder post enters the rudder, and seal them. However, the salt water inside will only continue to cause corrosion.
I have a theory to halt further corrosion:
Step 1: drill a small hole [1/4"] in the lowest part of the rudder, and 2 holes [several inches apart] in the top of the rudder. Allow water to drain from the rudder until it stops completely.
Step 2: Then seal [epoxy] the bottom hole.
Step 3: Then slowly poor [into 1 of the top holes, while the other top hole allows air to escape] some liquid** that halts corrosion but does not harm the rudder core. This process may take days or weeks as the liquid** disperses throughout the corp and coats the steel structure. **Please offer recommendations of such a liquid that would halt corrosion yet not harm the rudder core or FBG: engine coolant? engine oil? etc?
Step 4: when the liquid begins oozing out of the air hole, and it is believed that the core has been fully saturated, then seal both holes with epoxy.
Step 5: Epoxy barrier coat on rudder.
Thank you for your thoughts. Ed
Obviously, I need to identify the sources of the intrusion, which I think one is where the rudder post enters the rudder, and seal them. However, the salt water inside will only continue to cause corrosion.
I have a theory to halt further corrosion:
Step 1: drill a small hole [1/4"] in the lowest part of the rudder, and 2 holes [several inches apart] in the top of the rudder. Allow water to drain from the rudder until it stops completely.
Step 2: Then seal [epoxy] the bottom hole.
Step 3: Then slowly poor [into 1 of the top holes, while the other top hole allows air to escape] some liquid** that halts corrosion but does not harm the rudder core. This process may take days or weeks as the liquid** disperses throughout the corp and coats the steel structure. **Please offer recommendations of such a liquid that would halt corrosion yet not harm the rudder core or FBG: engine coolant? engine oil? etc?
Step 4: when the liquid begins oozing out of the air hole, and it is believed that the core has been fully saturated, then seal both holes with epoxy.
Step 5: Epoxy barrier coat on rudder.
Thank you for your thoughts. Ed
