Rudder repair and fittings

[gabe1111]

I'm researching how to repair my rudder, and would appreciate any feedback about the extent of the damage. Specifically, should the fittings be replaced before launching this spring or is it safe to hold off until next year? (Money will be less tight next spring.)



I'm going to grind out the considerable delamination and rebuild, and have verified that the core is dry. I have no experience with this part of my boat, as may be obvious, but am looking to learn.

[rbk]

It’s always hard to tell from pictures. But it looks more like years of patches are flaking off and may not actually be delamination?? Also a possibility of start current. Kind of strange to ‘externally’ mount a zinc; any possibility there were other already bolted onto the hardware?

[gabe1111]

Originally Posted by rbk

It’s always hard to tell from pictures. But it looks more like years of patches are flaking off and may not actually be delamination?? Also a possibility of start current. Kind of strange to ‘externally’ mount a zinc; any possibility there were other already bolted onto the hardware?

rbk, thanks. yes, there were others bolted on.



if the damage is layers of patches, would i treat it the same way - by grinding it down and rebuilding w fiberglass and epoxy?

[DeepFrz]

Take all the metal parts off, drop the rudder, clean everything up and then you will have a better idea of what is needed and we will have a better chance of being able to help you.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by gabe1111

rbk, thanks. yes, there were others bolted on.



if the damage is layers of patches, would i treat it the same way - by grinding it down and rebuilding w fiberglass and epoxy?

Quit possible is a combo of burn back and poor patchwork. The extra zincs hint there was corrosion happening so someone just added more to try and fix it. Looks like they used bondo or a sealant of sorts around the hardware. Before you pull all hardware I’d scrape and grind around them a bunch as removing the hardware to see the extent. If you do find delamination then proceed. Just a heads up, be prepared to replace any bolts and possibly the hardware itself as it may be too far gone if electricity was involved.

[gabe1111]

Thank you all! I'll follow this advice and report back if needed.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by gabe1111

Thank you all! I'll follow this advice and report back if needed.

Let us know either way. Always good to follow up for other considering similar work.

[kapnd]

WTF?..
Is it just me or does anyone else percieve that the propeller appears to be perpendicular to the keel line?
I’m sure it’s not, but my eyes are freaking out on that pic!