Dave, This summer we had to drop Calypso's rudder to repair damage from a log strike. We determined the log strike dislodged a prior repair but the basic rudder was sound (IIRC the yard guy said "built like a brick sh*t house").
We drilled 1" holes in several locations to check where water had damaged the core, and looked for signs of metal frame corrosion. The small areas that had the most balsa core rot were opened up (one side) and repaired. The glass guy added several layers around the leading edge where the older repair was weak. We packed 4200 around the rudder shaft to rudder body to help seal that joint as it did indicate some water intrusion. I expect to replace that sealant every few years. Looking at the pics of your rudder I expect there is significant corrosion of the steel frame. Before officially declaring it toast, opening up the skin in areas that allow inspection of the frame will confirm the extent of internal damage. If you stay close to shore and mostly sail in pleasant conditions a complete rebuilt or replacement might be put off by local repairs. If you have a great adventure planned with the expectation of some heavy weather a new rudder or complete skin off rebuilt would be cheap insurance. Martin Calypso 1971 C&C 43 Seattle -----Original Message----- From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David Donnelly Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 6:46 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Stus-List Rudder Damage and possible blister Upon haul out a week ago I noticed a prior repair that was made to the rudder but has now given way. I don't know how I missed it on purchase but there was brand new bottom paint which must have concealed it enough. In any case it is now mine to deal with. It seemed to weep water for a few days and had the copper (or what looks like it) from the VC17 coming out. Most likely this is rust though.I have a link to the photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/97287685@N03/10300503673/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/97287685@N03/10300359555/ Using Google I found a few hits with some similar repairs and horror stories. I am Assuming that it is fiberglass over foam. The foam is probably soaked and I was considering drilling some small holes near the bottom to see what drains out. I guess the real concern is not fixing the area it is what damage may have occurred from water being in there and corroding the post. In addition I found 2 other small areas that look like they were repaired on the hull but now the repair looks to have degraded. I don't have enough experience to know what a blister looks like but there is a picture of this too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/97287685@N03/10300484023/ I have hammered all around the areas of both the rudder and the hull and everything seems sound. I think the rudder is toast. What may be my options for this. And of course the blister. Regards, David Donnelly C&C 26 Mistress _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
