water leaking from rudder

[dlefevre]

Well, My Catalina 27 is on a trailer and getting ready to get it wet. Noticed a 2" slice or crack about half way down the rudder. Only noticed it because there was water leaking from it.

Do I start digging it out, drilling holes, or leave it alone because it is not problem.

Is the inside of the rudder metal? stainless steel?

I am obvously a new boater and owner any help would be helpful.

 

[Bad Obsession]

That is not a good thing. That could mean that your rudder is delaminating. That is really bad and cause a massive failure.

My Catalina 30 had a delaminated rudder when I looked at it. Part of the purchase agreement was to put a new rudder on the boat.

You are going to have to check the area around this crack and see how much of the area is bad. This is probably a good time to have a surveyor come out and survey the damage.

It may be early enough along where you can have someone repair it. If not, you may need a new rudder.