Rudder Repairs

davidd

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14 Apr 2002
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Having just scraped the antifoul from my rudder I have found two areas (appox 1 cm dia) where I can see what looks like the fibreglass matting. I believe that it is where the matting has pushed through into the gelcoat. It looks very much like the gelcoat is transparent here. The scraping was gentle so nothing abrasive applied. They represent and area where the antifoul failed to adhere.

What would be the recommended solution to this?
 

vyv_cox

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It is quite common for underwater surfaces to have clear gelcoat. Is the gelcoat on the rest of the rudder coloured? If so, it would seem that these may be repairs carried out during production or subsequently. No need for any treatment in this case. Lack of adhesion of the antifouling may be due to incomplete removal of mould release, or perhaps some wax or other substance. Give a light sanding with medium abrasive paper and re-antifoul.
 

oldsaltoz

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G’day David.
The fact that you can see the glass through a clear spot would indicate it has a shine on it, if this is correct then it’s probably a low spot that has not been sanded so paint will not stick to it.
Many rudders are shaped then glassed over and given 3 coats of epoxy resin to seal them; a low spot would leave a shiny spot. If this looks like your problem, you only need to wet the area, if the water beads, clean the area with a kitchen pot scourer and plain water, then give it a light sand with some 200 grit and paint as normal.

Avaniceweekend Old Salt Oz.
 
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