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Rudder Repair!

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dacc
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/21/2012 : 22:20:31

Hello Board,

My boat came with a kick-up style rudder, and there's a lot of play developing in it. We converted it to a fixed by putting a second bolt through it, but the side-to-side motion of the rudder blade is bending the plates that connect it to the tiller.

I thought about trying to flatten them with a clamp, but there's a crack developing, so I think the damage is done.

We tried adding some shims, but they fell out. Next step would be shims + a compression strap, but that's starting to feel really messy.

I'm thinking about replacing the plates with some new material. Do you have any suggestions? I'm hoping to avoid the $650 for a new rudder, as the blade itself is fine.

I have experience working with Starboard Marine Plastic. Would that be rigid enough?

Thanks!

- Dan

"Windhorse" 1978 Catalina 25
Std Rig, Swing Keel, Pop Top

Edited by - dacc on 05/21/2012 23:05:19

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3462 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2012 : 03:58:09

Dan,

It would seem that adding what may turn out to be 1/8" - 1/4" of starboard to the inside of the plates would reduce the play but believe it would not add measurably to preventing flex of the plates. You may want to consider adding 1/8" - 1/4" stainless steel plate material as a stiffener to cover most of the outside surface of the plates and use starboard on the inside of the plates. The SS and the starboard would be thru bolted but the SS plates would have to have the separate bolting to hold it securely and firmly attached to the plates inorder to add strength to prevent the plates from flexing. The starboard would simply be to reduce the play between the plates and the rudder. I am not sure what your plates are made of but if of Aluminum, then you may get some galvanic activity between the plates and the SS stiffener. Even if the materials are both SS, I would put a rust preventative paint on the SS stiffener on the side that will be firmly attached to the plate because SS does not like stagnant seawater and it is likely that any moisture held between the SS stiffener and the plate may cause pitting, etc inbetween the surfaces.

Edited by - OLarryR on 05/22/2012 04:01:11

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2012 : 10:18:54

It might be more expensive but would involve a whole lot less time and labor to replace the plates. If you have a machine shop in the area, stop by and see what you can find. Shimming to those warped, mis-shaped plates will only be a solution, IMO, that you will find yourself repeating over and over. What's your time and aggravation worth?

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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.