Rudder System on Alberg 30

[nesanel1a]

Hi,
I just purchased an Alberg 30 in an auction for a low price. Why so low? Because the rudder needs considerable work. Alberg 30s have one pintle and one gudgeon about midway on the rudder and a pintle at the bottom of the rudder that fits into a rudder shoe attached to the hull. The shoes are prone to decay, which was the case on the Alberg I just bought. The former owner wanted to do a repair and purchased the new fittings (i.e. pintle, gudgeon, rudder shoe). Good. But unfortunately the fiberglass at the bottom of the rudder has crumbled right at the point where the pintle fits into the shoe. The rudder thus needs to be taken off the boat and reglassed before it is going to support the pintle. This maneuver is in itself complicated because the boat has to be lifted in order to extend the shaft to slide the rudder off. I've uploaded a picture to help visualize all this.

The boat is now in a high-end marina with high-end prices. I had planned to sail it out of there. My question is this: Would I have enough stability for the rudder if I install a second pintle-gudgeon set at the bottom of the rudder in place of the rudder shoe? This would be a temporary solution so I could sail the boat to my marina about 50 nm from where it is now and later do the permanent repairs the boat needs.

I would really appreciate any advice.
Nesanel

[Don C L]

As someone with a similar boat and vintage I'd say yes as long as they fit in there correctly. If you are not sure just take it easy, balance it so not much weather helm. You may find that the lower pintle and gudgeon could be the permanent solution if it is stout enough and fits well.
BTW, great classic boat and if this is all it needs you may have gotten a great deal!

[pickpaul]

I'm an A30 owner too. Can't help directly but highly recommend joining the association which allows you to buy their manual that covers best practice for nearly all repairs. alberg30.org I think. You could also join their email list and post there, I've had great luck with that.

You've got yourself a great boat and they don't make em anymore :-) what engine does it have if you don't mind me asking? Also, what year? There are specific issues with pre 1970 boats that are useful to know.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[nesanel1a]

Thank you for responding, pickpaul. I will look into the Alberg association. This is a 1965 Alberg 30 with a Gray Marine 25 hp engine.

[Don C L]

BTW you should check this thread and website link, might be helpful to contact the member directly too through PM.
Alberg 30 refit/recoring

and a check here might help too:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...+classics.html

[Guy]

Just bog on the new fittings for now and cut it all away again when you get to where you are going.

[Mainebristol]

The classic solution is to dig a deep, deep hole. Just sayin'.

[first wind]

Originally Posted by Mainebristol

The classic solution is to dig a deep, deep hole. Just sayin'.

true but, it sure does sound funny the way you say it.

[pickpaul]

Originally Posted by nesanel1a

Thank you for responding, pickpaul. I will look into the Alberg association. This is a 1965 Alberg 30 with a Gray Marine 25 hp engine.

No prob. Is that a diesel? 25hp is more than enough. My 16hp is great into wind and waves.

Pre 1970 A30's don't have an aluminum support beam for the mast so def worth a check. The wood can get old and soft or wet.

Where are you based fyi?

Cheers,

Paul.

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by Mainebristol

The classic solution is to dig a deep, deep hole. Just sayin'.

His photo seems to indicate a paved or concrete surface. It's fairly simple to jack the hull up a few inches at a time and adjust the jack stands. You only need a foot or so to drop that rudder.