2012-06-30; 07:26:11 EDT
Member Since
2002-09-17
Posts: 4946
David, I had the same thing happen to me about fifteen years ago with the rudder edge. I waited until winter and let the rudder dry thoroughly in my house (I actually put it in our sauna for several hours). I then used ground up fiberglass mat and epoxy to fill the voids. I sanded that smooth and then added two layers of fiberglass cloth, about six to eight inches wide, over all the edges, sanded and repainted the rudder. I haven't had any problems since. Be careful not to change the thickness of the rudder in any contact areas, such as where the bolts go though the rudder head and pivot point or you will be sanding to bring it back to spec. If I remember correctly I also filled the pivot point hole and then drilled it out once it hardened. I've been known to overkill on projects, but I don't like having to redo something once I've already done it. Rummy In a message dated 6/29/2012 12:46:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, chsyhkr at gmail.com writes: I learned a few other things about my boat on my trip last weekend. When using the head, crack open the plate between the bow and holding tank. Pressure can build up in the tank splashing you when you flush......... My rudder has a few cracks along the edges. When first submerged it bubbles. I doubt this is a good thing for the long term health of the rudder. I do trailer so it does dry out. I expect to remove it in the fall, clean, seal, and repaint and install back next spring. Thoughts? -- Regards, David B. Craft Greensboro, NCSee the original archive post