Remounting Rudder

[agg212]

Hi all,

I have an Albin Cumulus (28') and had a rudder problem at the end of last season (thankfully). In short, one of the two gudgeons holding the rudder to the transom failed (rusted though). The gudgeons are through-bolted through the rudder stock.

I have had two replacement gudgeon fabricated (both top and bottom), and am wondering what the best way to mount them is. I was thinking of (1) drilling out the old holes, (2) filling them with West System 610, (3) re-drilling them to the screw size, (4) coating the screws in some more 610, and (5) tightening the nuts.

I have a few questions however. First, does this sound like a good plan? Also, should I coat the inside of each metal gudgeon in some 610 before adhering the part in place? If so, will I ever be able to get it off again?

Lastly, I'm wondering what the best way to make sure that the gudgeons are properly aligned (angel + position) since they need to match up exactly with the bracket attached to the transom.

Appreciate any input, and attached are a few pictures, thanks!

[psk125]

Steps 1-3, and 5, sound great. Step 4, not so much. Coating the bolts (you're using bolts, not screws, right?) with epoxy prior to inserting them does not make sense. Though you hope they never need removing, if they had been installed that way originally, you'd have had to drill them out - a major problem. Don't make things harder than they need to be! Filling and re-drilling the holes should be enough, and a simple bedding compound will keep the bolts from moving once the nuts are tightened, if you are worried about that. Carefully marking off where the old gudgeons were should enable you to put the new ones exactly where they need to go. If you've lost the markings on the rudder you will have to measure from the pintles on the transom. Measure twice. Maybe more than that, even. It needs to be right, or you'll wish you'd paid someone else to do it so you could complain and have it re-done at their expense.

[agg212]

Great, thanks for your reply and suggestions. One more question: should I epoxy the gudgeon to the rudder, or just have it secured via the bolts? I'm assuming not...

[psk125]

K.I.S.S...

Maybe some bedding compound, if that, to keep water out of any cracks

[Adelie]

I would significantly oversize the holes before filling with epoxy.
That way when you drill them out there be no metal-wood or metal-foam contact.

And yeah, bedding compound for step #4.