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 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Split Rudder		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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jfesi
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/10/2002 :  14:11:37  Show Profile
Recently purchased 82 C25 Swing Keel and am overhauling it while on the trailer. The rudder has been laying in the sun and now the forward seam has split below and above the water line. It wasn't split when we bought the boat and the rudder was in the water. The rudder feels quite light (lighter than my C22)doesn't seem water logged (no leaking) and otherwise has no other cracking. Would drilling out the void, epoxy and then fiberglassing the forward edge make the rudder usable again or am I going to have to buy a brand new rudder?
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2002 :  15:15:30  Show Profile
I opened-up the cracks in my rudderhead lengthwise on a tablesaw. I went about 1" deep to make sure there was no moisture in the core. Filled the cut-out with epoxy resin mixed with a bonding filler, then re-gelcoated.
That was four years ago and it still looks as good as the day I finished it (and I do store it inside the house in the off season.)
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2002 :  16:43:06  Show Profile
I recall being warned not to leave my new balanced rudder in the sun, especially with bottom paint (which will increase the amount of heat it absorbs), because the foam core could expand and crack the shell. The original rudder on your 82 should have a plywood core, but it sounds like you experienced the same problem. As long as the core shows no rotting, your repair should be fine.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/10/2002 16:45:09
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2002 :  19:52:35  Show Profile
My rudder was splitting when I bought North Star last fall and so I reamed out the crack with a Dremel then filled it with epoxy. It's been in the water for a couple of months now and every so often, I inspect the rudder below the waterline and it appears to be okay(I go over the side about once or twice a week with the kids).

Don Lucier, North Star
C25 SR/FK
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Clay
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts
Response Posted - 07/11/2002 :  19:46:31  Show Profile
rochester, I know how you feel. My rudder split the same way after we trailered our 25 to Fla & back with the rudder laying in the cockpit. I was just sick, but found a reasonable solution.

After sanding off the VC-17, I took a Dremal tool and basically cut a groove around the entire edge of the rudder and let it dry. Then I poured epoxy (west system 105) into the grooves to fill the voids in the rudder and bond the fiberglass laminate (using gluing clamps when necessary to keep the proper shape). Next I mixed micro fibers with the epoxy and began to fill the grooves. I took the conservative approach by filling the grooves with two applications since I was concerned with having to remove too much material when faring. The micro fibers were easy to sand and I was able to get a really smooth finish. I put 3 or 4 coats of epoxy on the entire rudder as a barrier coat. I had to sand off most of the first coat because I used a foam roller and it was not as smooth as I wanted.

For the finishing touch I painted the rudder with Brightside. It looks great. Currently, the boat is dry-stored on a trailer. Before I put it back in a wet slip I'll apply a couple of coats of VC-17 to the bottom of the rudder.

It really wasn't difficult; I took my time with each step and was very satisfied with the results. good luck...

Clay
#5549
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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.