Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

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• Rudder Project
  • Back in the shop
    • A close-up of an area of concern
      • Good call on that job Paul!
      • What is your choice of replacement material?
        • I'm thinking of duplicating the original rudder in plywood and fiberglass reusing the bronze stock, Tom
          • So it would be one piece. Keep the bolts for Tom!
    • Rudder acheology, I love this stuff.
      • The rudder is 45 years old but I've been putting this off for at least 10 years
  • (AKA Old Curmudgeon) There is nothing wrong with that rudder! Throw it back in!
  • THink about adding a bit more body down low?
    • I should give that some more thought, Westie
      • That's a good thought. Rudder design put more surface down low about then.
        • Ericson 35
          • That doesn't look like an Ericson 35.......
            • This is the original, late 60's Ericson 35
          • The rudder in that pic is more like the one I ended up building for the 32'.
          • Paul, how does the rudder stock attach to the rest of the steering?
            • The shaft continues 30" beyond the top of the rudder
              • What is the joint that attaches the rudder stock to the shaft above?
                • Oh, maybe it's one piece all the way through?
                  • Yes, from the prop aperture it's one continuous piece, Tom
                    • I see. Mine is two piece so I assumed...
                      • Here's a composite rudder built for an 80' wooden boat.
                        • Something nagged at me about the plywood rudder, and it just occured to me Paul.
                          • Remember, it will be sheathed in fiberglass
                            • Just out of curiosity: Why not rebuild it in the same method as original?
                              • The plywood and glass route sounded easier but I'm beginning to wonder.
                            • True. There's so many things going on.
                        • Fiberglass shell, metal stock = problems
                          • They'll find out pretty quickly with that boat Al.
  • Rudder Replacement
    • Thanks, Ken. That's very helpful!
      • I'll check my old files for the photos.
        • Looks like the site is down, Ken
        • Ken, I just received a reply from Tom