Rudder water

[PabloPicasso]

"Ignore and Carry on as before?"



That is what I would do. I tipped a 2ton, long keel, boat once, using an hydraulic jack under the keel. It is not to be taken lightly, I would rather dig the big hole.

If there is no play in the rudder/stock the chances of it dropping off next season are bearable to slim, unless your pal is thinking of an offshore trip. Next winter it could be done at leisure.

If it is a worry you could cut in a couple of windows (as outlined above) and check out the welding of the tangs, shutting up the holes with mat. The problem with trying to split the thing in situ is that you could end up with a right buggeration of bits, with the stock still trapped in the boat.

Ok, given all the variables, opportunities for cock-ups, and likelihood of being worse off with a bodged repair, broken boat, or worse, I'll recommend to the skipper to await the next lift out, remove the rudder then and repair in the heat and warmth of a workshop.

Thanks for all the input, it has helped with the decision making.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Would glossing in butyl tape work as effectively, or perhaps better than, O rings? Butyl tape would not perish as it remains flexible. Any thoughts on butyl tape in this application?

Hi Pablo.
I would first check that the tape and the resin are compatible, there may some reaction over time.
The 3 'O' rings with a dash of Vaseline encased in solvent free epoxy resin has been very successful and pretty much idiot proof and inexpensive. as they are completely sealed there is no reason why they should not outlast the rudder.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[Dipper]

Hi Pablo.
I would first check that the tape and the resin are compatible, there may some reaction over time.
The 3 'O' rings with a dash of Vaseline encased in solvent free epoxy resin has been very successful and pretty much idiot proof and inexpensive. as they are completely sealed there is no reason why they should not outlast the rudder.

Good luck and fair winds.

It is idiot proof - I managed it.

I found that the GRP in the area where the stock entered (and exited) my rudder was too thin to take even one O-ring. I could have built this up with glass mat and epoxy but decided to bond in two large PVC bushes which not only allowed plenty of room to take 3 O-rings each but also provided extra support for the stock. West System epoxy (according to their instruction sheets) bonds to hard plastics like PVC.