Whetherto replace bronze rudder with stainless

[ErikBenson]

I am still wrestling with my mutilated rudder on my ex-RN FMD of 1953. All I have is the stock shaft-("high tensile copper alloy", which I presume to mean bronze?). . .previous owner sliced off the blade -( Twit). If I make up a replacement in 316 stainless , will the bi metal effect damage the gunmetal gland or any bearing surfaces in there?
I could not access the rudder builder site you recommended already. Thanks. . .Erik

 

[srp]

Try talking to Moray McPhail at Classic Marine www.classicmarine.co.uk
He made a set of rudder fittings in bronze for me a long time ago from patterns that I made in wood. It will be a bit costly, but you'll only have to buy it once.

 

[Peterduck]

Yes. a stainless steel blade would react with a bronze stock to the detriment of both. Also, as a general rule, avoid using stainless steel below the waterline. This includes fastenings. As the rudder will spend a lot of its time in this environment, I think that this is another reason for not going that way.
Peter.