Loose rudder post

[gonfishing]

Hi
I have been asked to undertake a repair on a yatch rudder where the post has come loose in the rudder.
What is the best method to facillitate the repair? I have the skill set to carry out the work. I am however looking for advice and tips and what pitfalls I may come across.

Many thanks

Julian

 

[aluijten]

Depends on the material from which the rudder has been made.
For GRP you will need to splice it in half, to be able to access the metal fingers that 'anchor' the shaft into the GRP Blade.
The probaly you will need to replace the foam inside because it will have been rotting because of the water. Then you need to glue the two halves together with some usefull glue.
The reseal the rudder by adding another sheet of laminate over the edges.
Lot of work actually if you want to do it properly.

Arno

 

[gonfishing]

Yes the rudder is GRP, and foam filled, I guess the best way to split the rudder will be with a cutting disc using a grinder, however using this method I will not be able to get "right into" the body of the rudder, so will the use of some kind of hand saw be required, and then a bar to tease the two parts apart?

 

[Evadne]

Once you've split the grp you should be able to cut the foam with a bread knife. If the foam has got wet you will have to dry it out and possibly replace it, or fill with an alternative material.