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 Epoxy Resin or Polyester Resin??		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/29/2004 :  19:48:09  Show Profile
My third generation balanced rudder developed a four inch long crack in the leading edge of the rudder just above the bottom pintle. It's only two years old. I've ground off the gel coat and some of the material underneath. It's difficult to tell what the stock is made of. It is not fiberglass. There are no visible cracks in the stock.

Prior to grinding off the gel coat, I bought what I though were the proper repair supplies from West Marine - a large fiberglass repair kit, gel coat, etc. I find the fiberglass repair kit contains polyester resin. Will that be as strong as epoxy resin? Should I return the kit and get the West system epoxy resin, hardner and fiberglass cloth?

This is my first significant fiberglass repair. Any suggestions, advice or insults are welcome.

Alan Therrien
"Moonpenny"
C 250K #418
Alan Therrien
"Moonpenny"
C250K #418
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts
Response Posted - 03/29/2004 :  20:23:54  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
I've never heard what the rudder cores are...I know they are very buoyant so they may be foam. Some, many, maybe even most foams will be attacked by polyester resin. I'd play it safe and go with epoxy unless someone knows for sure.
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Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts
Response Posted - 03/29/2004 :  20:41:07  Show Profile
Arlyn,

That's what I was afraid of - that it might be foam. I don't know what foam looks like. Guess I'd better check with Catalina, if I can get a return call. I'm leaning toward your suggestion and going with epoxy just to be safe.

Alan
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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts
Response Posted - 03/29/2004 :  21:52:56  Show Profile  Visit Oscar's Homepage
Is there anyone's third generation rudder that is NOT falling apart?

Since I'm very happy with my beaching rudder I'm offering that everyone send me five bucks, then we'll do an autopsy on my third gen. under supervision of a professional consultant and then confront Catalina with the results..... Seriously, If we figure out how it's built, and fails, we can come up with a good fix.....

As far as repair.....did not know polyester eats foam....learn something here everyday.

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay in Venice Inlet, Florida USA.
Edited by - Oscar on 03/29/2004 22:11:40
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Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2004 :  08:36:50  Show Profile
Oscar,

I missed the return phone call last evening from Kent at Catalina Yachts. As he requested, I've sent him an email and some photos so he can discuss the matter with Frank. I hope to hear back from him today - as I am scheduled to launch in three weeks.

I just want a rudder that can stand up to the stress and is balanced for the boat. I'll let you know how it goes.

Alan
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frankr
Captain

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256 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2004 :  11:10:21  Show Profile
After writing and calling Catalina - I sent it back to them - the turn around was pretty quick - about 10 days ( coast to coast & back). They did a nice job on it - seems they beefed it up between the pintles as there is a slight buldge there now. You can UPS it to them - about 35 pounds when wrapped in thin foam and heavy cardboard. I put wood plugs in the top and bottom end of the cardboard wrapping and taped all info onto the rudder.
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Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2004 :  11:32:33  Show Profile
Thanks to all for your invaluable advice. I received a very quick return telephone call from Kent at Catalina. Then another call from Frank Butler. He was very helpful and recommended I ship it back to them for repair (the rudder was only 2 years old). So I packed it up and shipped it UPS yesterday.

FYI Frank said the rudder is fiberglass resin shell with a foam innner core. That explains the apparent layers I was seeing when I ground down the gel coat. If I can get the rudder back in time for an early launch 4/23 I'll be a happy camper.
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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.