[Public-List] Rudder

[Glenn]

Bill,  

i rebuilt my fiberglass rudder a couple of years ago, mainly because I didnt trust my 45 year old bronze rudder stock.  Turns out it was a needless worry, the bronze stock was as good as the day it was laid up inside the FG rudder blade.  i replaced the bronze stock anyway and reglassed the rudder back together just to have another 45 years of trouble free rudder.  

Not sure what I would do in your case.  My guess is, If you glass over the wood it will probably become waterlogged behind the glass sooner than latter and the FG will eventually lift off, causing you to wish you 1)  Hadnt glassed it to begin with, or 2) replaced it with all new foam core and glass when you had the chance the first time around.  So,I think I am voting for a new fiberglass rudder blade!  Easy to say as I dont have to dothe work!!  Also I wonder if glassing over the wood will cause the wood to rot. Others on the list may have first hand experience.  Ive had a number of wood boats, but never used FG over wood, except for decks.

Glenn 
Dolce 318

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 2, 2013, at 8:21 PM, Bill Woodford <williamwoodford at charleswoodford.com> wrote:

> Greetings all!
> 
> I  removed the wooden rudder on US 11 this fall.  Although the rudder was
> still performing and contrary to my normal thinking of "if it ain't broke,
> don't fix it,"  I had unsettling thoughts about the continued life of the
> rudder.  A 3" chunk of wood was missing and it appeared that a previous
> owner had endeavored to effect some repair in this regard.
> 
> I am soliciting suggestions/opinions about repair v. replacement of the
> rudder.  I am interested to hear from fellow sailors who have made repairs
> or replaced their rudder and what results they have experienced.
> 
> My initial thought was to let the wood dry out and epoxy or glass over the
> existing wood.  I can't tell for sure whether the rudder is teak or
> mahogany.  A local craftsman believes the wood is teak.
> 
> 
> In the removal process, a gudgeon/pintal was bent beyond future usability.
> Any thoughts on where to obtain replacement of the gudgeon and pintal?
> 
> As always, thank you.
> 
> Woody
> US 11
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