joining a split mold

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

I have noticed that my stbd rudder has split slightly at the top along the mold line.

How do manufacturers join together split molds, there is no apparent matting running down the seams unless they grind it smooth afterwards.

I am not overly worried about integrity at this point as it was like this all season, but I would like to put it right.

Like I said, how do the pro's do it?

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[jbate]

A split mould in this application can be joined using an adhesive such as Crestomer - applied to the flanges prior to bolting the 2 mould halves together (not bolting the mouldings though). The crestomer bond to fibres for a well prepared application is stronger than the resin/glass strength.
If you repair it then make sure it gets dried out thoruoghly - depending on the size of your split and the rudder construction, age, etc - you could do well to use the opportunity to fully split the rudder and check any steelwork inside...
JB



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[AndCur]

I had a similar problem with my rudder at the end of last season. As far as I know the two sides are simply boned together with some sort of epoxy. The repair is very simple. Firstly open up the split and cut back the fibreglass to form a v shaped section.
Then fill this with West Epoxy mixed with 403 bonding fibres. Then sand the whole area flat. Next step is to wrap rap the whole area in fibreglass mat (not the chopped strand stuff) I would place the mat vertically as well as horizontally over the repair to
Ensure maximum strength. Hope this helps


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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

It does help, and this is the way I will have to go. The thing is my rudders are transom mounted so I need to do a tidy job of it hence asking how they were origionally stuck together.

They have been leaking water for years so will take the opportunity to fully seal them back up, they are hollow with no internal steelwork other than bolts passing through.

Definately a job for a warm and windy summers day when we are stuck in harbour.

Thank you for the advice gents

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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