Rudder Skeg Mounting Repair

[Swift Drift]

Have some concerns about the rudder skeg attachment shown in the pictures. There is no doubt that the marine ply underneath the plate and the bolts/nuts need to be replaced. So here are my questions that I am hoping to get some advice from those wiser and more experienced than I prior to getting into pickle:

1) will I need to drop the skeg/rudder in order to "beef up" this attachment? Hoping to be able to do it all from inside the hull.

2) any suggestions on how to make the system better (ie glass it in, etc) or just repair/replace with current method.

3) I fear that the skeg may have a plywood core that may be rotted out. Are my concerns warranted or are these generally full glass (1973 boat).

[Laceynhans]

I'm having similar troubles, how did it work out for you ?

[barnakiel]

Looking at the image I believe I can see an add on skeg, not a molded one.

I have seen such a skeg removed for beefing up. The boat was a H&P Puma design.

b.

[DeepFrz]

You need to explore the construction of the skeg and the condition that it is in. The only way to do that is invasive. Also check the condition of the rudder. Drill a few holes in the bottom of the skeg and rudder as well to let any water, if any, to drain. If you find water oe eor your job has just gotten larger.

[rustypirate]

I agree with drilling holes to check for water. In addition, if water is found, get a bung-cutting drill (the kind used to make wooden bung plugs), and drill a hole on either side about 6" down from the hull. This will give you a core sample to take apart and examine closely. That is the best way to determine what the skeg is made of.

[spotfire]

I was able to get rudder and skeg drawings for my boat from the designer, very helpful for any necessary skeg and rudder reconstruction.
plans.


The designers still had scanned copies and emailed the relevant drawing.


Good luck.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by Swift Drift

Have some concerns about the rudder skeg attachment shown in the pictures. There is no doubt that the marine ply underneath the plate and the bolts/nuts need to be replaced. So here are my questions that I am hoping to get some advice from those wiser and more experienced than I prior to getting into pickle:

1) will I need to drop the skeg/rudder in order to "beef up" this attachment? Hoping to be able to do it all from inside the hull.
Not bloody likely.

2) any suggestions on how to make the system better (ie glass it in, etc) or just repair/replace with current method.
Stiffness goes up with the cube of thickness, which is part of why cored laminates are popular. So if there's room to do so, it would help to make things a bit thicker. And I'd also look into lengthening things in the fore & aft direction, should you decide to stay with a skeg rudder....

Which, honestly, you're probably better of starting from scratch if the current skeg & rudder are dead. And in a boat that old, I'd be surprised if the cores are dry in the skeg & rudder. Especially in the latter, as shafts are prone to leaking from the top joint where the post enters the blade. Which can often result in a pile of rust instead of a skeletonized metal framework inside of the blade.

So if you're feeling bold, you might entertain the idea of going to a spade rudder. It would entail a new post, & new bearings. But if the old post & framework have been marinading in sea water for a while, then they're due for replacement anyway. In which case it only makes sense to switch to a better system. Including a beefier post, new bearings, & a new rudder/blade.

And yes, you can make spade rudders plenty strong. The topic's been covered here on CF quite a lot. As has rudder building/rebuilding.

3) I fear that the skeg may have a plywood core that may be rotted out. Are my concerns warranted or are these generally full glass (1973 boat).

As stated, it's highly likely that the skeg has some liquid content. Perhaps to include plywood pate.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Swift Drift

...Hoping to be able to do it all from inside the hull...

Really doubt it.

[minaret]

Seems like lots of skeg troubles lately on CF. I'll do a thread on a skeg repair I'm doing. I'll see if I can get the client to post to it as well.

[Laceynhans]

Thanks.