Hit a rock - can I bend the rudder back?

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raptor
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Joined: 5/6/15
Posts: 16
Hit a rock - can I bend the rudder back?

I hit a rock with my wing-keel 1988 Catalina 36 and the steering "locked". I am wondering if it is possible to bend the rudder back?  I saw some older posts that indicate cutting off the top of the rudder will also allow it to move. Any thoughts?
 

Thanks,

Aaron

Aaron
Guilford, CT
1988 Catalina 36 "Raptor"

knotdoneyet
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Joined: 7/27/12
Posts: 253

The previous owner of my boat bent the rudder and the insurance paid to replace it.  Might want to check.

2000 C36 MKII 1825

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mutualfun
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Joined: 6/25/07
Posts: 454

Your rudder post is to thick to actually bend back. Where you bent it is probably close to the fiberglass that heat can not be applied. I had a friend when we were in the Bahamas with him bent his and he sawed off the front top enough to have his steering back. He never had a issue with it after that. Good luck.

Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.

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Sailor1P
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Joined: 2/24/16
Posts: 22

Any metal that is bent if you try and straighten it it will have a weak spot where it was bent.  That is if you can even get to to align back up.

Peder Sahlin

Pompano Beach, FL
1983 - C36 Standard Rig / Wing Keel
Hull #103

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