While working on my steering cables and autopilot rudder sensor, I noticed that the 'box' containing the upper rudder bearing does not appear to be attached to the underside of the deck. This is right under the access plate aft of the wheel ('97 Mk II). I'm not sure if this is the way it's supposed to be or if it's something that requires attention. The upper steering box appears to be part of the liner; perhaps it does not need to be attached to the deck itself?
In any event, it's an important component and I'd like to know if it needs attention. I attached a pic; sorry it's not better but the camera ran out of memory, so couldn't take another. I noted on one pic, where the seam is, visible on the port side looking from the access hole in the aft cabin. It continues across the aft and starboard sides as well. Fixing it would require me to hire a chimpanzee who could fit in there; I can't even get my head through that hole.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
I know this is an old thread but what was the verdict on this? Is it normal or is it a problem?
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Funny you should find this post; I was thinking about it in light of the other, similar thread;
[url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2580[/url]
I don't know if the problems are related or not. But having read the steps taken to correct the problem in the related thread, I'm thinking I might try 'injecting' some 6/10 epoxy into that gap and driving some screws or bolts through to try to bring the two parts together. I'm going to have a fresh look at it in the spring. I was thinking about what I'd seen when I spent a day sailing in 25+ knot winds at 8+ knots for hours on end. Very hard on the rudder, and I'm sure if the delamination in the pics is not as designed, it can't be helpful. Hopefully, someone else will chime in this time.
Glad to find those pics again; I couldnt' find them anywhere, they must be on a crashed hard drive from my last laptop.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
I ran into Gerry Douglas at the St. Pete boat show today and asked him about the bottom of the rudder box separating. He suggested gluing it back together (he said something smarter than that).
I asked about epoxy and he said that would work or using tape and fiberglass to strengthen it. For me, i would epoxy it back together and then use some fiberglass resin and tape to reinforce it.
When I asked about bolting through the deck, he said that it was not really necessary - just re-secure it.
Hope this helps.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Thanks for your reply. I think maybe I'll send the pics to Gerry, so he can see for himself. Main difficulty is getting access to it, I'll probably have to hire someone smaller than myself to get into the lazarette.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Interesting that there is a bunch of us with very close hull numbers with the same issue.I just repaired mine. Comments and my fix on the other post.
Bill and Patti Wilson
Lighthouse Point Fl.
1997 Catalina Mk2
Furling main
Hull 1623
Hi all-
I recently found a simlar delamination to the upper bearing box on my 2002 36 MKII. I found the issue by accident, I was in the lazerette on another mission and looked up to see the delamination. I returned home and I searched this site and found this thread. Although a few years old, it appears to be a very similar issue to my recent find. This site continues to be a real asset to its members!
The delamination appears rather recent as crack looks fresh, no dirt, dust, or bugs present. After finding the delamination I turned the rudder to extreme port and starboard. At the end of both turns the delamination move some, has me concerned about any future use until repaired. The most recent trip, 3 weeks ago was a 7 hour motor with limited motor sailing in calm to 1 ft seas. I did not notice any rudder issues or concerns.
I am wondering if there are any tips on the direction to take to repair. There is a link to another thread in this post, however, the link is no longer functioning. Is there another way to access the link? A number of comments point to injecting epoxy, has anyone succesfully completed the repair? If so, how was the clamping done? I have thoughts of using dimensional lumber cut to a legnth that would allow it to wedge between the hull and the delaminated area, driving it upward. What about application of fiberglass cloth after the glue portion cures? How many layers would be sufficient?
The bow side of the delaminated area does not appear to be accessible, is there some way to get at this section to evaluate and potentially epoxy?
I have attached one of several images taken of the concern. I have many questions as I consider a path for repair.
Thank you for any feedback!
(Picture is, not sure how to correct that when uploading, orientated correctly prior to uploading)
Bob & Kim Kissel
s/v "Full Circle"
2002 36 MKII Hull# 2084
Wing Keel, Tall Rig, In Mast Furling, M-35B
Lake Michigan
Hey all-
I have completed the repair to the upper rudder bearing. I have attached a pdf with details and photos.
Bob & Kim Kissel
s/v "Full Circle"
2002 36 MKII Hull# 2084
Wing Keel, Tall Rig, In Mast Furling, M-35B
Lake Michigan
Thanks for the photos. I could not picture your clamp solution until I viewed the photos. I appreciate you stopping and taking photos along the way to share them with us.
I inspected my own rudder post and it is still good. But if I need to glue it back I will refer to the PDF file.
Thanks.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
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