Split leading edge to Vega Rudder.

[BarryLeat]

I have removed the rudder from my Vega as the leading edge has a split, or probably more correct, the leading edge has opened up for about a 10ins length from the bottom. The 25mm S/S shaft is clearly visible. Has anyone experienced a similar problem on a keel hung rudder, and what are the potential solutions to rectify this problem? Any help, advice much appreciated.

 

[graham]

I would dry it as much as possible grind out the split clean ,fill it with epoxy filler than glass over the whole area with epoxy and glass cloth to strengthen it.

Any idea what has caused it to split? If it were the trailing edge I would worry that mild steel reinforcing tangs had rusted and expanded but if the shaft is ss and its the leading edge then that seems unlikely fortunately.

 

[BobnLesley]

Not had that problem, but I do have a Vega. If stevebirch isn't along with the answer soon, then go to the VAGB website at www.albinvega.co.uk from where you can get to the Vega Forum - someone there will have the answer.

 

[Severnman]

This has happened to my Foxhound. I ground out and filled with epoxy filler but the proximity of the stern section prohibited copious quantities of cloth. As seen by my surveyor who pointed out this was probably just a 'holding' operation. The reality is that in due course the rudder will need to be drifted and the the two rudder sections properly rebonded. Wait and see at the moment for me....

 

[BarryLeat]

Thanks for the advice from the 3 respondees to my problem. Split possibly due (cannot be proven) to ingress of water and frozen during very cold winter this year, expanded the GRP and subsequently cracked. Boat been out since Nov 08 and separation may have occurred during the very cold winter we have had. Alternatively may have been present for some little time and I failed to notice it. This more than likely because there was evidence of dried 'Severn mud' in the crack, and that had to have been there beofre she came out! The tangs inside are in S/S so no chance of weld failure to shaft due to rusting. The separation will be opened out cleaned and refilled with Epoxy plus matting and outside moulded with woven cloth. Having ity done professionally so will see how it stands up to a seasons use.

 

[damo]

[ QUOTE ]
The tangs inside are in S/S so no chance of weld failure to shaft due to rusting.

[/ QUOTE ]

But best to check, in case there has been crevice corrosion?