Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Does anyone know what type of resin was used to make these boats (Capri 25)? I need to do some fiberglass repair work on my rudder, and was wanting to make sure I used the correct type of resin.
It was most assuredly built with polyester resins, but I too have only used epoxy for repairs. Unless you are doing a major amount of work the cost difference should not be significant and it is my understanding that epoxy is a better material.
If you have cracks around the pintles or along the edge of your rudder, you may be interested in reading the numerous discussions on the Forum about rudder repairs and rudder replacements.
The West System of epoxy resin, hardener, fillers and instructions is invaluable for working with fiberglass. They have several large pamphlets that include one on boat repairs.
My story is an example of how some C25 sailors have had rudder issues. I repaired the cracks around my 25 year old rudder's pintles according to the strict requirements of the West System advice. The fiberglass was well layed out past the cracks and very strong. However, I did not replace the rotted plywood core of the rudder - only fixing the fiberglass and then painting it nicely. I did not reinforce the core with thin epoxy or steel rods. The repaired rudder worked fine for a few months, but then one time when I was sailing in 15 knot winds and beating to windward, the rudder snapped at the lower pintle. So I made a temporary 2-inch thick rudder, and ordered a new rudder from CD. It should last a few decades, I suppose.
You can find numerous rudder tales by searching the site.
Do you have photos of your rudder's issues?
JohnP 1978 C25 SR/FK "Gypsy" Mill Creek off the Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay Port Captain, northern Chesapeake Bay
John's story is common. If the Capri rudder is wood-cored, the condition of the core, particularly around the level of the lower pintle, is more important than the condition of the fiberglass shell.
Regarding resin, epoxy is the strongest, best adhering to almost everything, and most resistant to osmosis--but it's too expensive for most builders to use for hulls. (Some high-enders do, with stuff like Kevlar mat for thinner, lighter, stronger hulls.)
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.