Rudder on a 1987 Prout Snowgoose

[cygnus2]

Does anyone know about what materials rudders are composed of on a 1987 Prout Snowgoose. I think foam but not sure. The starboard is showing drip marks after on the hard. Is this a serious problem ? If so how can that be addressed ? Thanks, Lawrence

 

[geem]

They are hollow normally. There was no foam in my 1981 Prout Snowgoose 37 rudders

 

[Supertramp]

Getting water inside hollow rudders is pretty common. A survey on my boat (monohull) some years ago with high moisture readings on the rudder advised drilling a hole near the base, letting any water out and resealing. I haven't done it yet as I couldn't see how that helped since presumably water would re-enter and it all looks solid after 33 years. The concern is corrosion of the metal internals. If the water emerging is not rust coloured I would take that as a good sign and seal the area when the drips stop.

At least you have a spare rudder....

 

[ghostlymoron]

Most water ingress in rudders is caused by expansion/contraction where the steel shaft enter the grp. I drained the water and formed a recess around the entry points which was filled with marine sealant hoping it would accommodate any movement. This was partly successful.