Rudder replacement

L

lawrence_craig

Active Member
Joined
12 Oct 2017
Messages
46
Visit site
Hi guys,

Last night, I got caught out in a blow in Vis, Croatia. The result was the rudder grounding and getting chopped (3/4 size now).

I am assuming it is beyond repair and will need a replacement. It's a Bavaria 46 (2007).

Does anyone have any possible sources? Any yard recommendations in the Split region?

Many thanks.
 
My boat has had a lot of work done over the years in the Kremik Marina (Primosten) service yard. Staying on the boat whilst they do the work is OK and they won't be busy at this time of the year so can probably fit you in immediately. Their GRP guy has done very good work for us. Sem is the General Manager, Alen is the office manager and Katarina is admin person and they are all helpful and speak good English.

If you mention Richard and Sally from England with the catamaran I think they will look after you. :)

Out of interest Lawrence, I assume that you were not on the quayside in Vis town but anchored somewhere? Where was it?

Richard
 
Last edited:
lawrence_craig said:
Hi guys,

Last night, I got caught out in a blow in Vis, Croatia. The result was the rudder grounding and getting chopped (3/4 size now).

I am assuming it is beyond repair and will need a replacement. It's a Bavaria 46 (2007).

Does anyone have any possible sources? Any yard recommendations in the Split region?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

Your boat has a Jefa steering system, and Jefa can supply all spare parts. You can see an online quote for a replacement rudder here - https://jefa.com/ftp/old_boat_spare_parts/Bavaria/Bavaria46AC_D46_2004-2009/

You need to double-check exactly the model and year of your boat with Jefa to ensure you get the correct part. Jefa's customer service is very good.
 
Rudders normally come in 2 halves with (I am sure there are names for these pieces) a central rudder stock off which are set webs of reinforcement. The stock and webs might be stainless or fibre glass or carbon. I don't think the 2 halves are epoxied on, to the web and stock, but are held to each other by epoxying the foam with a glass tape round the edge. The rudder halves are, usually, easy to cut from the stock

If you have damaged the stock (you will need a new rudder) - other wise you will probably get by with some decent operator who can work glass and foam - this latter is not rocket science. But a repair takes time as you need to wait for the epoxy to set off. If the rudder is, now, difficult to move you will probably need a whole new rudder assembly (and/or new bearings).

Maybe Ricard can advise - but dropping a rudder stock needs space, or space under the yacht - it can be done in the water if it is deep enough - otherwise you need to be lifted.

One of the Clipper yachts had a rudder removed in Sydney in the water - it is all possible

Jonathan

Sorry - my post crossed with pvb's - his is much more useful :(
 
Last edited:
Neeves said:
Rudders normally come in 2 halves with (I am sure there are names for these pieces) a central rudder stock off which are set webs of reinforcement. The stock and webs might be stainless or fibre glass or carbon. I don't think the 2 halves are epoxied on, to the web and stock, but are held to each other by epoxying the foam with a glass tape round the edge. The rudder halves are, usually, easy to cut from the stock
Click to expand...

There are lots of pics and a video of rudder production on the Jefa website - it's quite a sophisticated process.

https://jefa.com/rudder.htm
 
RichardS said:
My boat has had a lot of work done over the years in the Kremik Marina (Primosten) service yard. Staying on the boat whilst they do the work is OK and they won't be busy at this time of the year so can probably fit you in immediately. Their GRP guy has done very good work for us. Sem is the General Manager, Alen is the office manager and Katarina is admin person and they are all helpful and speak good English.

If you mention Richard and Sally from England with the catamaran I think they will look after you. :)

Out of interest Lawrence, I assume that you were not on the quayside in Vis town but anchored somewhere? Where was it?

Richard
Click to expand...

That's very helpful, thanks Richard, I will give them a call and email. Also, going to PM regarding Winter Storage if that's ok.
 
I have taken some pictures. The main rudder spar appears undamaged, it looks like just the GRP at the bottom has fractured and split. So I am hoping a repair might be possible.
Port Side of Rudder.jpg Bottom Of Rudder.jpg
 
lawrence_craig said:
I have taken some pictures. The main rudder spar appears undamaged, it looks like just the GRP at the bottom has fractured and split. So I am hoping a repair might be possible.
View attachment 79452 View attachment 79453
Click to expand...

I'm sure that they will be able to repair it and they can certainly store the boat on the hard for the winter. There is one British chap who has a 44 foot-ish monohull who stores it in the yard every winter. It seems to rather bemuse Sem and he often mentions it because most of the sailing boats stay in the water over the winter but as he says, if that's what the chap wants then it's not a problem for them. :)

I'd ask to speak to Alen in the first instance as he's the bloke who actually organises the team and gets things done. He knows what he's talking about with boats.

Where were you on Vis? The worst anchorage we have stayed in on Vis was Komiza as there are some very large rocky patches with weed in between and we took a few goes to find a sound spot.

Richard
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top