[Public-list] Lost Rudder: Gudgeons and Pintels

[Lincoln Finkenberg]

Would anyone have the dimensions of each of the pintels and gudgeons on the rudder or in the alternative - a good idea of their size.  I understand they are similar to the pacific seacraft 25 and the j24.  A fabricator has existing casts and asks that I give him a better idea of the dimensions so he can try to find a decent match.  In the end they'll probably be silicon bronze (I'm scared to ask how much).

If folks are interested in getting some of these gidgets for their parts inventory - I'm happy to coordinate.  Note that these would not be exact replicas.

As to the rudder core - I'll probably go with the coosa - which is stocked and retailed in Annapolis.  Bottom line from the numerous conversations with folks in this field is PVC has better stress strength and you can go with a slightly lower density than urethane.  Urethane they recommend a minimum of 12 PSI - I believe coosa is a urethane.  Why urethane over PVC - I've no idea - other than I was able to find someone who stocked coosa.  The sheets are very difficult to find.  I've also heard from members and folks in the field that its better to encase the rudder core in carbon versus glass. I guess that goes again to sheer strength - but what about impact strength?

I've heard conflicting info as to the core when it comes to wood - some have said acume plywood (including a specialty lumber yard here in Westchester) others have said solid wood.  I think in the end you may as well go with foam as the cost differential is not prohibitive - coosa is about $200 per 4x8 sheet.  The type of high-end marine grade multi plywood you'd use wouldn't save you much.  Solid oak might.

In the end - I want the boat to sail straight and have a rudder that will last a good 15 years - any other consideratoins I could really care less about. 

Sailing straight of course is always a challenge.  But it gets more difficult with a messed up rudder.  What is involved in terms of the shape of the thing.  I plan on gluing the two 1" thick sheets of foam (with the rudder stock) and then faring it with a belt sander.  As I recall the port and starboard sides of the rudder was pretty flat - I didn't recall seeing any concave shape - as you see with some rudders - which makes sense given the full keel.  My hope is to get a series of thickness measurements of the rudder - unless someone can confirm it is one thickness throughout.  In any event I'll at some point need to get veyr acquainted with someone's existing rudder.

Thanks,
Linc


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