Fixings for stainless to wooden rudder

[chris-s]

I’m repairing my wooden rudder and its stainless shaft was attached with some stainless screws as well as a couple of stainless plates also fitted with stainless screws. A couple of the longer screws show signs of crevis corrosion, I highly doubt they were fitted with any kind of ‘coating’.

Should I refit with bronze or stainless with some polysulphide/sealant coating? The longest 3” screws fit down into the top and cannot be removed for ‘checking’ without dropping the whole skeg and rudder, something I never anticipate having to do again whilst I own the boat.

 

[chris-s]

Any thoughts?

 

[Daydream believer]

no

 

[vyv_cox]

Stainless steel into wood is always a problem as the wood never fully dries. I could make some suggestions but it is a complex situation and you have provided so little information that I don't understand the design. Any photos or drawings?

 

[chris-s]

Yes, a photo would have helped!

Here it is all loosely assembled. I guess my concern was the use of bronze screws with the stainless parts.

The flat plate is completely separate from the rudder shaft.

 

[chris-s]

And here is the tang which the bolt goes thru…

 

[vyv_cox]

I think I would stick with stainless steel. Use a lot of sealant, OB1 as it does not mind wetness, or another hybrid of your preference. Corrosion needs water! Keep the water out and all will be well. Going to bronze or silicon bronze may introduce further problems.