snapdragon 26 rudder

[jimsnap]

Hi all. I've just visited my boat and found that I'm the recent N easterl
ies my rudder has been ripped off and disappeared, a friendly diver checked all around the mooring but there was no sign of it. The stainless rod from tiller to rudder has sheared just below the hull. Does anyone have a pattern for the rudder or know of any snapdragons being broken for spares? Any ideas on how much it will cost to have a new rudder built? Any advice gratefully received.

 

[davidbfox]

The class association is www.snapdragonmirage.org.uk. The technical officer Mike England knows everything but is only contactable by phone. It costs ten pounds a year to join but is well worth it. Good luck.

 

[jimsnap]

Thanks David I've emailed them and will join as soon as I get a response. Looking at previous posts it seems that dealing with the association can take some time so I'm hoping for more advice from the forum.

 

[Tranona]

In general it is not difficult to make a rudder but time consuming so will be costly pay a professional. Wait until you get a response from throwers association as sure you will not be the first peron who has needed one.

 

[jimsnap]

I'm happy to try and make one myself and would appreciate any advice on construction. I've been wracking my brains to work out how to do it. Is it best to a make a wood or foam core or solid fibreglass. I've also considered stainless. I'd anyone can direct me to any useful websites I'd be grateful. Thanks for advice

 

[Tranona]

I made mine of ply with solid edges, built around a stainless stock with welded on gangs. The ply is two layers laminated around the stock. There is some balance area forward of the stock which was built up from laminating solid wood. Shaped and faired then sheathed in epoxy glass cloth. Structurally very sound but very heavy. Alternative is foam core sheathed in either GRP or epoxy. You will find useful information on working with epoxy on the West (Wessex resins) website.

 

[jimsnap]

Thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going to look a making it myself. I need some other stainless bits doing so I can get the stock milled threaded and tangs welded at the same time. All I need now is to source the plans.

 

[Tranona]

When you get the range welded on make sure the stock is straight as the welding can distort it.

 

[PeterV]

My Dad had one of the few centreboard Snap 26s (which sailed extremely well) and had rudder problems. The tangs broke within the glass mouldings. Once the mouldings were cut off the tangs were welded back on and a new rudder made by bolting on plywood either side, shaping then glassing over.