Rudder Stock Failure

[stara]

so the rudder stock just sheared off as per pics below... Any advise much appreciated on what to do now...

A local welder says he could weld a steel bar inside the fold, is that a feasible temporary repair and would that hold for 100NM across open water to the closest repair yard? Or would it be good for 1000NM coastal sailing?

[neilpride]

Forget what a welder say, you need to open Split the rudder and fit a new fresh SS shaft, the corrosión is extensive and i doubt a Weld hold for few miles , but is up to you, dont be in the list of boats in trouble at sea by rudder troubles...

[JPA Cate]

stara,

neilpride is right. The rod would not have the strength that you need. The welder may not really have much idea what rudder shafts have to stand up to.

Ann

[andreas.mehlin]

Replace the whole rudder! You could use this one to make a mould.

[Steve W]

Impressive pics that really tell the story. It appears the stock cracked above the rudder and has been corroding away for a long time before finally failing. Corrosion stains on top of rudder look like they have been there a while.

[Matt sachs]

Ya, I dont see anything repairable there. Sorry. Its to important for a patch

[HappyMdRSailor]

Seventh post agrees with the previous 5...

Not a chance I would ever take... And I drive fast, smoke, drink like a fish...

[Doug Brown]

If you are only going 100-nm on a flat calm day, you could machine just about anything down (solid stainless steel bar, steel bar) so it will fit inside the broken shaft and rudder.

Make it at least 24" long (30 or 36" would be better yet) so you have 12" into each half. You will need to drill several "window" holes in the old shaft halves so he can weld the splice piece to the old shaft.

This is all assuming that you are going to go with a new rudder when you do the final repairs. I'm also assuming there is a huge cost difference in building a new rudder at your present location vs. at the 100-mile shipyard.

The above repair doesn't have to be that pretty looking, you can have a gap where the break is if need be - all you are trying for is the 100-miles.

Having a solid piece of stock inside is critical for this temp repair to work.

Good luck.

[DeepFrz]

Foss rudders can make you a new one and ship it to you although I don't know where you are. If you do try a jury rig weldment make sure you also have an emergency rudder along with you. You don't say what your boat is but its new rudder time for you. I don't know the story of the rudder breaking but you are lucky to be on dry land, not waiting rescue in mid ocean.

[nimblemotors]

Sure, some JB Weld outa fix it, no worries, just call for rescue when it breaks, and then sue JB Weld.

That rudder is toast.

[DeepFrz]

There has been a run on snapped rudder shafts and abandoned boats this year.

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

There has been a run on snapped rudder shafts and abandoned boats this year.

Just posted....

Rescued sailors reach shore after dramatic ocean rescue - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

[RTB]

We have been cruising for about 20 months. Before we left, we found that our rudder post was bent (probably during hurricane IKE). We had Foss Foam build us a new rudder. Cost was just under 2K. Maybe you can find another rudder somewhere else. Just letting you know about Foss. We have no issues with the rudder so far.

The old rudder-
Besides being bent, see the rust on the ground.



New rudder-



Ralph
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/brogdon/?xjMsgID=322876

[model 10]

A piece of solid rod/shaft as long as you can make it will be stronger than the old piece of tubing. Heavy though. Cut away enough composite to make lots of rosette welds as well as the butt weld of the old tube. Should be good to go. Better than being stuck somewhere unable to build a new rudder. It would need to be shortened to get rid of the bad material which might be a problem.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

There has been a run on snapped rudder shafts and abandoned boats this year.

Yes indeedy there has... And lucky the picture taker here too....

I'm still standing by my position of "don't do it"... A 100 NM "ride" with your cargo, and return to your boat with a new rudder is the right move... BUT... If you don't go with the majority vote, and patch it... through bolt it in several places instead of welding... Like 4 to 6 1/2" SS bolts...

Take your Iridium sat phone... Your lawyers phone #, and the contact numbers for Radio America/GMA...