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 Cat 25 rudder?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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Steven1234
Deckhand

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USA
5 Posts
Initially Posted - 12/03/2025 :  11:18:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I bought a 1982 Catalina 25 a little over a year ago and have sailed it many times but keep wondering something. The top half of my rudder (everything above the waterline) almost like it was built in two halves and sandwiched. There is a large , visible crack all the way around. I wanted to include pictures but I can’t figure out how. I’m on my phone for what it’s worth. Is this just the way the original factory rudders came ? I’ve looked at other pictures of cat 25 rudders online and the ones I saw didn’t have the separation. Thanks in advance for any knowledge and if anyone to tell me how to add photos that would be awesome lol .
Steven Scherling

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts
Response Posted - 12/04/2025 :  06:27:02  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Here's a link that describes how to post photos. https://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=25478&SearchTerms=post,photos

If there are any cracks in the rudder they should be repaired. I've thought the seam around the rudder can appear to be cracked even if it's not. Inspect it carefully with a magnifying glass. If you find any cracks, repair them, but I'd suggest you keep an eye on our Swap Meet for a used one. They are advertised occasionally and "a sailboat without a rudder is like a man without a goal." It lacks direction.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
Edited by - Steve Milby on 12/04/2025 06:33:45
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4029 Posts
Response Posted - 12/06/2025 :  13:40:37  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I think you might be looking at the seam. Catalina used 2 fiberglass shells sandwiched together with a foam core in the middle. That seam is normal and is where the 2 shells come together.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2iV8Xci][/url]
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Edited by - islander on 12/06/2025 13:56:50
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5425 Posts
Response Posted - 12/06/2025 :  14:42:01  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Scott, that’s a great photo to illustrate your point! I’m just wondering whether Steven can insert the blade of a knife or poke some wire into the seam? This would allow water intrusion. And once the core does get wet, then if allowed to freeze, you could get core separation due to freeze expansion.
Several forum users have reported this happening to their rudders in the past. That’s one reason why I generally remove my rudder from the boat as soon as she is hauled out in the fall.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4029 Posts
Response Posted - 12/06/2025 :  15:00:51  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Exactly Bruce. That's why in my photo my rudder is in my basement nice and warm for the winter!
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


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Steven1234
Deckhand

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USA
5 Posts
Response Posted - 12/07/2025 :  08:00:15  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Islander thank you so much. It’s comforting to know it was actually designed that way and see someone else’s . I live in the panhandle of Florida so don’t have to worry too much about freezing , but still seems like a silly design to me #129335;#8205;#9794;#65039;
Steven Scherling
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4029 Posts
Response Posted - 12/07/2025 :  10:41:57  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
To me it always looked unfinished and that Catalina just didn't bother fiberglassing over the seam. I guess it would have cost more in time and materials.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


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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.