Last summer I hit a log in the Trent-Severn Canal and bent may rudder just enough that it hit the hull when straight on. My temp fix was to have about 1/2" ground off the top. Anyway, I decided to get a new rudder which has now been installed but the wall thickness on the post is about twice of my old rudder. Were these ever used on 36's or is the factory just using what they now have on hand? Any suggestions on what to do with the "old rudder"- other than it might be a cool coffee table?
Chris Hansen
Hull 1889 (2000) Std Rig
Lake Mich
I'd be interested in what the new rudder set you back.
I need to have mine repaired for water intrusion so the money might be better spent just replacing it with the newer design.
Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay
I bought it from the factory. Cost was $2523 + $115 for shipping.
Speaking of water intrusion, I've never done it but a friend has a C38 and he drills a few small holes in the bottom of his rudder every fall after haulout and then seals them every spring... FYI
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
I hit a large rock with the rudder last summer, didn't hit the keel though.....which begs the question: "Is the rudder deeper than the winged keel?" I didn't experience any indications of damage, actually went on a couple hundred mile cruise. The damage wasn't discovered untill haul out, scarfed about a good sized chunk out of the bottom of the rudder. I let it drain and dry out over the winter then after some prep work used body filler and topped it off with several coats of epoxy resin. We'll see what happens (water intrusion) however it looks pretty good.
A few years ago I posted about "wacking my wings" ,cutting them off and adding a couple of inches to the bottom of the keel. Jerry Douglas quickly responded and said the rudder is 2 inches shorter. He also said you probably wouldn't notice if you cut a couple of inches off the rudder unless you were flying a spinaker in windy conditions. I think when motoring the stern squats more plus in my case I had the mast hanging 11 feet off the stern. After my temp fix in Midland Ont. in June I did spend another couple of months returning to Whitehall MI. with no issues.