Rudder Stock Cracked.

[silverdawn]

Hi All, Went to fit the newly varnished tiller today and noticed a small crack in the Aluminium stock which bolts
onto the rudder head, the crack is at the weakest point near to the bottom of the 12mm bolt hole I would think it is the original fitting (1984) therefore very hard to obtain a replacement, I dont think a repair would be possible.
I have searched the internet for replacement but failed to get any information most list Dinghy fittings, my boat is a Colvic Countess 28ft I will try the Colvic Owners Association, however can any of you advise where I can buy a replacement or find a local stainless steel fabricator to make one.
I live in Essex my boat on the Blackwater. your advice would be welcome.
Regards Stuart.

 

[tillergirl]

I think a picture or two is necessary. I must say I am surprised that you have Aluminum anywhere in your rudder head.

 

[PeterWright]

The stock of a rudder is the vertical shaft around which it pivots, so I believe you are referring to a crack in the head fitting, which clamps onto the stock, but I may have misunderstood.

Whatever, for any marine stainless fabrication, Mr Stainless (Mark Wingar) at Suffolk Yacht Harbour is a good bet:
http://www.mrstainless.co.uk/
Noting that you're berthed on the Blackwater, you may get APB Engineering in Burnham to do the job:
http://www.apbengineering.co.uk/BOC/service.asp?ccd=apb_engineering
Hope this helps.

 

[silverdawn]

I think a picture or two is necessary. I must say I am surprised that you have Aluminum anywhere in your rudder head.

Your correct I should have put Head fitting which is attached to the tiller and clamps over and onto the Rudder Stock.Also thanks to Peter Wright for his contact details.

 

[nigelm]

Hi Stuart
My countess has a solid brass fitting which clamps to top of rudder stock , the hole for bolt to attach tiller has worn over the years but I re- drilled/bushed it at work , I would think that if you took your fitting to an engineering co they should be able to fabricate a replacement easily enough .

N

 

[Stork_III]

If you still need the fitting, I have a friend near Ipswich who has a SS head fitting with tiller for a Countess 28, taken off when he converted to wheel steer. It is available for not a lot. PM me if interested for his contact details. :encouragement: