Rudder nightmare at sea

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

Good stuff Bluewaters... My participation in the discussion has been limited by the "sailing wifi blues"! (but most of us prefer the isolation... albeit frustration when we need connection for times like this!)

Glad things are going your way!!!

Next posts are not to lead from the progression and outcome of your plight, but for informative discussion...

Good luck my friend!

Thanks for the good wishes.

[Bluewaters2812]

Would anyone agree with giving the rudder a light sanding before treating with a coat of primer before then applying 2 coats of anti-fouling?

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Bluewaters2812

Would anyone agree with giving the rudder a light sanding before treating with a coat of primer before then applying 2 coats of anti-fouling?

Hi Everybody...

My name is Ed, and I too am a member of BSA (Bottom Sanders Anonymous)

I would like to avoid enabling you to spiral into our club, but I can't help but recommend that you too scuff up the new underwater appendage...

Sand away my friend.... Sand away...........

[Zanshin]

Originally Posted by CaribbeanCraig

Has anyone tried reefing the main and using it for steering while under diesel propulsion ?
In calmer seas of course . just curious .

Yes, I tried that when I had no rudder. No chance of keeping a heading while at sea. Remember, things are very different when you have a rudder that is locked (preferably midships) and no rudder at all on a fin keel. Any change in balance between forces ahead of the keel and behind the keel result in immediate course changes.

[CaribbeanCraig]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Yes, I tried that when I had no rudder. No chance of keeping a heading while at sea. Remember, things are very different when you have a rudder that is locked (preferably midships) and no rudder at all on a fin keel. Any change in balance between forces ahead of the keel and behind the keel result in immediate course changes.

Ok ..Thanks Z

What about a ketch rig ? possible ..?

[Zanshin]

a Ketch or Yawl might balance, since the jib or genoa is in front of the keel and the mizzen is behind the keel, giving some dynamic stability. But I haven't tried it so can't comment from experience. But the reality is that the seas and winds are fickle and being able to hold a course with damaged steering is going to be very difficult regardless of keel type or rigging (unless one wants do drift DDW, which should be a piece-of-cake )

[DeepFrz]

Sand away my friend.... Sand away...........

But not until after removing all the mold release wax or you will imbed the wax into the sanding scratches.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Minaret - doesn't acetone work to get rid of the release chemicals? I am pretty sure I've seen tins of Interlux 202 at the various chandleries in the islands so that should be available.

Meh. I usually two rag with lots of 202 several times (at least 3). With acetone I wouldn't be happy until I'd done it half a dozen times, at least. Acetone evaporates too quickly and is not aggressive enough. Failing 202 use xylene followed by a final tone wipe, all two rag. Sand 80, then 6 coats of Interlux 2000e, then two coats bottom paint. Bring the 2000 up onto the shaft 1/4"; prep first.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

a Ketch or Yawl might balance, since the jib or genoa is in front of the keel and the mizzen is behind the keel, giving some dynamic stability. But I haven't tried it so can't comment from experience. But the reality is that the seas and winds are fickle and being able to hold a course with damaged steering is going to be very difficult regardless of keel type or rigging (unless one wants do drift DDW, which should be a piece-of-cake )

How about a ketch with all power roller furling?

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Yes, I tried that when I had no rudder. No chance of keeping a heading while at sea. Remember, things are very different when you have a rudder that is locked (preferably midships) and no rudder at all on a fin keel. Any change in balance between forces ahead of the keel and behind the keel result in immediate course changes.

Perhaps that is why Nigel 1 suggested the weight on the towline very close to the bow for the tow. With his experience, I'd think his idea would be better than my experiment.

Ann

[Bluewaters2812]

Have sent an email to the French rep in France to ask when we can expect delivery. Tomorrow would be the two weeks we were originally promised. Still waiting for an answer.

[atoll]

it is called "waiting for parts in exotic places"................a tour of the rum distilleries in martanique will help pass the time!

still waiting for the delivery of the rudder since it was finished at the end of september on my next delivery!

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

But face it, if you lose your rudder (not just your steering) unless you have a real emergency rudder that has attachments already installed, and have already tried it to be sure it really works, chances of any hair brained jury rigged system working are probably less than the number of boats that lose their rudders.

Happened in a boat I was crew in about 20 years ago. One minute in the lead of the race and in the middle of the English Channel, and spinnaker pulling like a train, the next we went through 3 fast broachs before the recognition that the whole rudder had disappeared.

half the crew concentrated on recovering all the sails, and the others on setting up an emergency rudder using a spinnaker pole, a very large spanner (to turn the pole), and a locker lid (secured to the sinnaker pole using a large number of plastic tie straps and numerous new drilled holes in the lid. Once that was in place, slow ahead and return to our berth (50 miles). Hard work, but it was successful.

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by atoll

it is called "waiting for parts in exotic places"................a tour of the rum distilleries in martanique will help pass the time!

still waiting for the delivery of the rudder since it was finished at the end of september on my next delivery!

Haha, exotic is not what I would describe where we are lol. Now the rum distilleries ... perhaps a visit there would turn where we are into exotic We should have enough money left for one tot of rum, so the rest would be up to the imagination.

[CaribbeanCraig]

Originally Posted by Bluewaters2812

Haha, exotic is not what I would describe where we are lol. Now the rum distilleries ... perhaps a visit there would turn where we are into exotic We should have enough money left for one tot of rum, so the rest would be up to the imagination.

Hey Blue ..

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger , hang in there buddy .