[Public-list] rudder post hole fiberglass rot

[Matthew Morey]

Thanks to all for the advice regarding the rudder.  Having the cutlass 
bearing (baring?) replaced and the shaft and prop cleaned and checked out 
too.  So far things are good and thanks again for all your help.  If 
anyone's curious about what happened with the gudgeon and the middle thingy 
that acts as a hinge, let me know, okay?

One thing I've discovered that is a problem is the back fin that runs just 
below the rudder post and just above the rudder.  This is the bit of glass 
added to the hull that makes the rudder's top flush to the hull.  It's 
rotted pretty well through.  There's good fiberglass down the middle 
thankfully, but that little fin is covered on both sides with something like 
a giant blister.  My boat is from 70 and has almost know blisters--two or 
three tiny little things.  I suspect water's been getting in through the 
rudder post hole.  Since I have the rudder out, I wondered if anyone could 
suggest a more or less permanent fix for this.  I can fix the exterior, but 
does anyone have any idea about how to seal the inside of the rudder post 
hole?

I'm dying to get back to my sailing and hope to finish with repairs and 
painting this week...  What do you think?

mathew
Chance