Feasibility of rudder & shaft repair

[armchairsailor]

Morning all... I've come across a 27'boat advertised near me for a song. Naturally, there are a few things wrong with it. She ran aground after slipping her mooring, and bent the prop shaft and snapped the transom-hung rudder at the lower pintle. (See pics) She was refloated without further issues, and doesn't appear to have any structural damage whatsoever.



I've been quoted $4k for a new rudder, but would want to try and repair or make my own (it's pretty deep). Is it possible to repair it, or should I go and make a new one?

Also, it looks pretty feasible to split out the shaft to get off, but what would need to be done to get the shaft remade or repaired so it didn't rattle the boat apart?

Thanks

 

[BobnLesley]

I would think that if the shaft's bent, it'll need renewing, along with the cutlass bearing; these people made one for us a few years ago and did an excellent job: www.tnorrismarine.co.uk

With regard to knocking-up a new rudder, be very careful, the loads exerted on the rudder are much higher than most (well me) people realise; we've had two friends (one of them twice!) who were obliged to have rudders made in out of the way places by supposedly competent boat engineers/mechanics - I saw two of them and they looked good/solid/well made - and all of them failed within 1500 miles; be certain of your abilities in both the design and build before you try it.

 

[rotrax]

If you buy it it might be worth asking a Motorcycle front fork specialist to see if they can straighten it. Over the years I have straightened hundreds of bent-some badly bent-fork tubes. It is much easier to straighten a solid shaft than a lightweight thin wall tube.

I am sure it is worth getting a second opinion on the rudder. Perhaps have a lazer cut S/S blade made of the same dimension as the damaged one.

I am one of the worlds origonal recyclers- give it a shot-you might be surprised.

 

[Caer Urfa]

Do the job right first time,
replace the shaft and the cutlass bearing, just did mine ,900mm long X 1" dia 316 SS fully machined £75 cash
Cutlass bearing 1" dia X 60 mm long £45

However suggest you also check shaft alignment to gearbox when re fitting
mike